**Massacre in Jiutepec, Morelos: Nine People Killed During Drug Use**
On December 1, 2024, the Morelos State Attorney General’s Office confirmed a tragic event that took place in the municipality of Jiutepec. This incident involved the murders of at least nine individuals in a private residence located on Turquesa Street, in the Vista Hermosa neighborhood adjacent to Cuernavaca. According to officials, the massacre occurred the night before at approximately 9:30 PM.
Contrary to the Attorney General’s update, the State’s Security and Protection Secretariat had initially reported that there were seven fatalities and two individuals who were injured, including a minor.
Initial police investigations revealed that the location where the murders occurred was used as a gathering site for young people primarily engaged in drug use. Law enforcement officers found doses of the drug crystal meth along with two shotguns in the house, which was also reportedly used for industrial waste trading. The victims were discovered piled up, with drug paraphernalia found in their possession.
The bodies were collected by the State Attorney General’s Forensic Service from the residence, where police first responded to an emergency call. They noted that all the deceased were adult males and presented gunshot wounds sustained at close range.
Further probing by local authorities identified bags containing drugs with traits similar to crystal meth, as well as pipes for consumption and bags of marijuana. The location was recognized by locals as a hub known as “El Picadero,” allegedly tied to illicit trade in industrial waste.
The Jiutepec Municipal Police initially secured the crime scene until federal and state security forces arrived. The Morelos Attorney General’s Office has since embarked on an official investigation with support from the National Guard and the Mexican Army.
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**Growing Concerns: Rising Gang Violence in Morelos**
Recent events in Jiutepec have underscored the increasing problem of gang violence tied to the drug trade in Morelos. The state has unfortunately seen a rise in similar incidents, sparking heightened concerns among residents and calling for a more robust security strategy.
According to reports, the state has struggled with clashes between rival gangs, leading to frequent bouts of violence in various communities. The prevalence of synthetic drugs such as crystal meth has further fueled these conflicts as gangs vie for control over distribution channels.
Local authorities are now under pressure to address this growing issue and ensure the safety of citizens. The federal government has also aimed to provide additional resources and manpower to assist in maintaining public order.
Community leaders in Morelos have urged for more proactive measures, focusing not just on law enforcement but also on intervention programs to tackle the root causes of drug abuse and violence. The recent massacre serves as a grim reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in restoring peace to the region.