An official of the Zacatecas state prosecutor's office said the heads were found packed in ice on a roadside yesterday, along with hand-written signs.
He spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorised to be quoted by name
The victims have not yet been identified and their bodies have not yet been found.
But the official said the content of the messages suggested the victims were members of a drug gang.
"These are the kind of messages that drug cartels leave for other gangs ... As part of their disputes," the official said.
The area was once dominated by the highly violent Zetas cartel, much of whose leadership has been arrested or killed.
The Gulf and Jalisco New Generation cartels are now believed to be moving into the area.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
