In early 2025, ten students from Tlaxcala were abducted in Oaxaca, with nine found murdered. The investigation is exploring potential collusion of municipal police and connections to drug trafficking. Brenda Salas, the sole survivor, reported police involvement, while concerns arise regarding the safety of the region amid alarming violence against civilians.
Oaxaca’s picturesque Pacific coast, a popular destination for tourists, has been marred by heinous crimes such as mass kidnappings and murders. In January 2025, seven young men disappeared near Puerto Escondido, a case linked to drug trafficking that remains unresolved. More recently, 10 young individuals from Tlaxcala vanished while vacationing in Oaxaca, with some authorities speculating that their abduction may stem from drug-related disputes.
The tragic case includes a grim discovery on March 2, when the dismembered remains of nine victims—four women and five men aged between 19 and 29—were found in an abandoned vehicle near the Puebla state border with Oaxaca, hundreds of kilometers from where they initially went missing. Investigators have not yet disclosed a motive for these heinous acts, but inquiries into potential involvement of local police are underway.
Of the 10 missing students, only one survived: Brenda Salas. She shared with the authorities that she and her friend Angie Pérez were abducted by municipal police. The timeline of their disappearances began on February 28, when several individuals from Tlaxcala, including Lesly Noya, Jacqueline Meza, Raul González, and Noemí Yamileth López, were reported missing.
Authorities announced that they were investigating the possible collusion of municipal police officers in the kidnappings. They indicated there might be links to rival drug operations. One suspect has been arrested, although details about this individual’s identity and their specific connection to the crime have not been provided. This has sparked public concern, as many fear for the safety of the region.
The investigation introduces an additional layer of complexity with the murder of a businessman, José Alfredo Lavariega, who was killed around the same time as the abductions. Reports have suggested a possible connection between Lavariega and the victims, highlighting that they may have been involved in criminal activity under his encouragement. Nonetheless, authorities have not confirmed any known criminal involvement of the students.
The abduction and tragic fate of the ten Tlaxcala students highlight the ongoing violence associated with drug trafficking in Mexico, particularly in tourist areas like Oaxaca. The investigation continues as authorities examine the possible involvement of local law enforcement and any connections to organized crime. The communal grief is exacerbated by the dual narratives of potential criminal activity among the victims and the broader implications of state complicity in the violence. This situation demands urgent attention to ensure justice and safety for all citizens.
Original Source: mexiconewsdaily.com
