The Dark Side of Paradise: Disappearances in Oaxaca

The idyllic beaches and vibrant culture of Oaxaca’s coast have been overshadowed by a surge in disappearances and homicides, linked to a bitter feud between rival criminal groups.What began as whispers of trouble has now erupted into a full-blown crisis, demanding answers from authorities and sparking outrage among local communities.

The initial spark was the discovery of five bodies near San José Miahuatlán, Puebla. According to the Oaxaca Prosecutor’s Office, the victims, originally from Tlaxcala, had traveled to Oaxaca “with the purpose of committing illegal activities in collaboration with a local criminal cell.” Authorities believe this cooperation ultimately led to their demise, triggering a ruthless “adjustment of accounts.”

Adding to the alarm, complaints have been filed regarding the disappearances of seven individuals from Tlaxcala. Four of these cases were directly reported to the Oaxaca Prosecutor’s Office. Among the missing are Jaqueline, last seen on February 27 in Santa María Huatulco, and Brenda, Raúl, and Yamileth, who vanished on February 28 from Zipolite beach in San Pedro Pochutla. The State Search Commission has also reported the disappearance of Angie, Guillermo, and a young man identified as L. E. S. V.

While Brenda was later found alive in Puebla and L. E. S. V. was apprehended in Santa Cruz Huatulco for alleged involvement, the fate of the remaining missing persons remains uncertain, fueling anxiety and grief throughout the region.

Corruption within the Ranks: Law enforcement Under Scrutiny

The crisis took a dramatic turn with the arrest of two members of the General Prosecutor of the State of Oaxaca, implicated in the murder of the young people from Tlaxcala. This shocking revelation has ignited public distrust and raised serious questions about the integrity of law enforcement in the region.

The Local Public Ministry stated that the two arrested officials “performed work in the region of the entity’s coast.” The State Prosecutor’s Office reported that their capture was “derived from the results for the investigation of different criminal acts that occurred in the Costa region.” These acts are reportedly related to the disappearances, which remain under investigation.

In response, the FGEO issued a statement asserting it “strengthens internal control protocols to prevent officials from this institution from being involved in criminal behaviors, and otherwise, it has the commitment to apply the law to sanction without distinction from those who are responsible and thereby prevent these types of cases from being unpunished.”

This scandal echoes similar incidents in the United States, where law enforcement corruption has been linked to drug cartels and organized crime. A 2023 investigation by the FBI uncovered a network of police officers in Southern California providing protection to a drug trafficking ring, highlighting the pervasive threat of corruption even within well-established systems.

A Cartel Turf War: Tlaxcala vs. Oaxaca Coast

Preliminary investigations suggest a conflict between a criminal organization based in Tlaxcala and another operating on the Oaxaca coast. This turf war is believed to be the primary cause of the disappearances and homicides.

The exact nature of the conflict remains unclear. Some analysts suggest it stems from competition over drug trafficking routes, while others point to disputes over control of local businesses and extortion rackets. Regardless of the specific motivations, the violence is a clear indication of the cartels’ determination to maintain their dominance in the region.

This turf war reflects a broader trend in mexico, where fragmented cartels are increasingly battling for control of smaller territories, leading to localized spikes in violence. This contrasts with the situation a decade ago when a few dominant cartels controlled vast swaths of the country.

Joint Efforts: Bringing Justice to Oaxaca

The FGEO is working in collaboration with the National Guard, the National Defense Secretariat (Sedena), the Marina Secretariat (Semar), the State Police, and the prosecutors of Tlaxcala and Puebla to solve the crimes. Authorities have their work cut out for them.

Given the layers of corruption and the entrenched nature of these criminal organizations, breaking this cycle of violence requires a multi-faceted approach. That approach needs to cut off the cartels’ sources of funding and engage the local communities.

The situation in Oaxaca is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Mexico and the United States in their ongoing fight against organized crime. As drug trafficking and cartel violence continue to plague both countries, the need for effective law enforcement and international cooperation has become more critical than ever.