The police forces of two Jalisco municipalities bordering Zacatecas have been disbanded following the disappearance of eight municipal police officers.
The officers were reported missing on February 18 after leaving the town of Teocaltiche in a van, dressed in civilian clothing, reportedly en route to Lagos de Moreno for a work-related procedure. The van’s driver is also missing.
The next day, 12 black plastic bags containing human remains were discovered on the side of a back road in Teocaltiche. A cardboard sign was attached to one of the bags, but authorities have not disclosed its contents.
On Wednesday, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus confirmed that four torsos were found among the remains and that preliminary investigations suggested they belonged to some of the missing officers. On Thursday, the Jalisco Institute of Forensic Sciences officially confirmed their identities.
Lemus noted that the only potential silver lining is that the four unaccounted-for officers and the driver may still be alive.
As investigations continue, 107 municipal police officers from Teocaltiche and the neighboring municipality of Villa Hidalgo have been disarmed, and state police officers—alongside the Mexican Army—have taken over law enforcement duties in both towns. This marks the fourth time since 2017 that Teocaltiche’s police force has been stood down.
Reports indicate that at least 60 officers will be questioned by the state Public Prosecutor’s Office (FE) and required to provide statements.
Teocaltiche has been a hotspot for violent turf wars, frequently requiring state and federal intervention. In recent weeks, authorities have seized weapons and armored vehicles linked to organized crime in the area.
Lemus vowed to stand firm against criminal organizations. “I cannot ignore this situation as if nothing has happened... We have to take tough measures to send a clear message that, as a state, we will never be defeated,” he said.