Puebla Authorities Rescue Missing Youths, Uncover Criminal Recruitment Network
Puebla, Mexico – Authorities in Puebla have rescued several missing young people and dismantled a criminal network accused of recruiting children as young as 10 for illicit activities.The operation, led by the Prosecutor’s Office, resulted in the arrest of 11 individuals and the seizure of firearms, narcotics, and vehicles.
The investigation began following reports of missing youths, prompting a search that led to a property where evidence suggested recruitment and training for criminal purposes. “Most likely they had them in training or had them doing some criminal activity.Obviously as they are, they are shaved,” stated Idamis Pastor Betancourt, of the Prosecutor’s Office, indicating a purposeful attempt to alter the recruits’ appearance.During the initial search, one suspect was arrested in the Los Pinos neighborhood for crimes against health and posession of a weapon. Authorities discovered wrappers containing a substance consistent with crystal methamphetamine at the location. This led to further raids in the La Concepción neighborhood, resulting in the arrest of eight men and two women: Liliana N, Jan Carlos N, José Bryan N, Luis Ángel N, christian N, Karen N, Jovany Jesús N, Diego Jesús N, Eduardo N and Migue Sebastián N, all facing charges related to drug offenses for supply purposes.
A subsequent search on the Puebla-Tehuacán highway yielded a Toyota hilux truck containing three AR-15-type rifles, three Glock 9mm pistols, and ammunition.
According to Prosecutor Idamis Pastor betancourt, seven of the missing youths were located during the operations, with others released and returned to their families due to pressure from authorities. The investigation remains ongoing,with authorities pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to fully understand the scope of the recruitment network and bring all those involved to justice.
