Mexico IDs human remains as youths missing in Veracruz

MEXICO CITY — Mexican authorities say human remains discovered in the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz belong to two of five young people who disappeared last month.

A statement from the Interior Department said Monday that investigators searched a ranch in the Veracruz town of Tlalixcoyan and found evidence it had been used to handle drugs, to store stolen oil and to conduct other illegal activities.

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Sniffer dogs led investigators to multiple parts of the ranch where investigators collected human remains and blood stains. Comparison to genetic profiles provided by family members confirmed the identities of two of the youths who went missing Jan. 11 in Tierra Blanca.

Several alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and local police officers were previously arrested in connection with the disappearances.

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