Clandestine Hospital Linked to CJNG Discovered in Jalisco, Nine Rescued
Authorities in Jalisco, Mexico, have discovered a clandestine hospital allegedly operated by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Tecalitlán. This operation was initiated following the search for a young man reported missing from Tlaquepaque. The Jalisco Prosecutor's Office confirmed that the facility was being used to provide medical treatment to cartel members who had sustained injuries during violent encounters.
The search led to the rescue of the 20-year-old man, along with eight others who had reportedly been forcibly recruited to work for the cartel. Six individuals, accused of guarding the captives, were arrested at the scene. Jalisco Prosecutor Salvador González de los Santos stated that evidence collected from the property indicated that specialized medical care was being administered to injured cartel members.
The investigation began after the family of the missing young man reported his disappearance to the prosecutor's office, suspecting he had been a victim of forced recruitment. According to their account, he had mentioned he was going to work at a ranch, but was later abducted by individuals who arrived in a vehicle. Authorities were able to locate him in Tecalitlán, where they found him alive along with the other captives.
In coordination with the National Guard and the Secretariat of National Defense, investigative personnel entered the property. Upon arrival, they discovered not only the missing young man but also eight other individuals being held against their will. The rescued individuals, aged between 16 and 43, came from various regions, including Mexico City, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Jalisco.
Details on Arrests and Criminal Operations
The six arrested individuals, comprising five men and one woman, are between the ages of 21 and 48 and hail from Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit, and Michoacán. Prosecutor González de los Santos noted that the evidence and testimonies suggest the property was used to shelter individuals who had been recruited for criminal activities and required medical recovery.
Clearance Granted
Some of the rescued individuals were found to be using crutches, while others had undergone surgeries involving the implantation of surgical hardware to treat their injuries. Although the young man whose disappearance prompted the investigation was the only one officially reported as missing, all nine individuals were transported to Guadalajara to begin the process of reuniting with their families.
The six detained individuals are now in the custody of judicial authorities, who plan to prosecute them for human trafficking and forced disappearance. Investigations are ongoing to identify any local medical personnel who may have been involved in treating the injured cartel members and operating the facility.
