3 Men Rescued After Months of Torture in Mexico

CHETUMAL, MX — Three men, who were allegedly held against their will for more than three months, were located with signs of torture and suffering from severe malnutrition and dehydration in the vicinity of Álvaro Obregón Nuevo, a community belonging to the Ribera del Río Hondo.

The discovery occurred in the early hours of yesterday, after an anonymous call to the emergency number 911 alerted authorities to the alleged detention of an individual accused of stealing cable from a substation of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE).

Following the call, elements of the State Rural Police (PRE) arrived at the site, although in a first instance they did not find anyone related to the theft of cables. During a foot patrol in the area behind the installation, the officers discovered three men bound at their feet and hands with brown tape. The individuals could barely speak and asked for help with difficulty due to their weakness.

According to initial statements, one of the men said his name was J. A. T. C., who claimed to have been deprived of his liberty almost two weeks ago near the community of Sergio Butrón Casas. This subject had swelling on his wrists and ankles, in addition to injuries on his back apparently caused by electrical cables. In his possession, 16 doses of a plant-based substance were found.

Another of the rescued men, identified as G. I. R., 35, recounted that he was "taken" last July on the Carlos A. Madrazo–Sacxán highway, when he was returning from buying drugs for personal consumption. He was tied up for more than three months and had infected wounds; he was carrying 17 doses of an herb similar to marijuana.

The third man, B. H. P., stated that he was deprived of his liberty on the Carlos A. Madrazo–Sergio Butrón Casas stretch over three months ago, under similar circumstances. He had wounds on his chest and back, and a fractured nasal septum. He was also carrying 17 doses of the same substance.

What is peculiar about this event is that each one was carrying a small bag attached to their hip, inside of which were several doses of an herb with characteristics similar to marijuana.

Paramedics and personnel from the Public Prosecutor's Office also attended the scene to provide assistance to the subjects. The three were immediately transferred to the General Hospital of Chetumal, where they were placed under medical observation. They presented with infected wounds, blows, and signs of prolonged torture.

The victims refused to file complaints for fear of reprisals and did not specify the motives for their captivity.

The Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Crimes against Health in its Mode of Drug Retailing (FEDCSMN) and the Ministerial Police are already investigating the case, which points to a possible settling of scores between criminal groups operating in the area.