Ranch used to dissolve bodies in acid found in Mexico

Guadalajara (Mexico), Sep 6 (IANS/EFE) Mexican authorities have found a ranch in the western state of Jalisco believed to have been used by a criminal gang to dissolve bodies in acid.

Officials confirmed that human remains found there correspond to three unidentified people.

In a brief statement, the state attorney general's office said medical examiners have determined that two of the three people were men but have not yet been able to determine the gender of the third victim.

Skeletal remains, five jars with traces of hydrochloric acid, as well as weapons, ammunition clips, items of clothing, cans of gasoline, shovels, gloves and blood stains, were found during an inspection of the ranch, located outside the city of Guadalajara.

The skeletal remains of the three victims indicate they were between 24 and 43 years old and died more than 18 months ago, sources close to the investigation told EFE.

Jalisco attorney general Eduardo Almaguer said personnel from his office arrived at the ranch as part of their efforts to dismantle an auto-theft ring.

The Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion, an offshoot of the powerful Sinaloa cartel, has asserted its dominance in that state after federal forces dealt severe blows in recent months to two rival gangs -- the Caballeros Templarios and Los Zetas.

Jalisco, which lies between the Pacific port of Manzanillo and central and northern Mexico, is a key overland smuggling route for raw materials used to manufacture synthetic drugs.

--IANS/EFE

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