A Mexican Army counternarcotics operation has led to the discovery of a mass grave with 18 victims recovered so far near Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua, according to Mexican news sources.
Reports are investigators are still digging and more could be found at the site. The latest reports say the death toll could exceed 20 and go as high as 112. Digging will continue Tuesday morning.
Authorities found 11 graves containing the 18 victims, who were killed between eight months to a year ago. The graves were found near 23 Kilometer marker on the Ejido 6 de Enero-Puerto Palomas road in a gap near the ranch El Capricho.
Puerto Palomas is just across the US border six kilometers south of Columbus, New Mexico and is said to be a major drug shipment route.
A detachment of the Mexican 11th Military Zone intercepted suspected drug traffickers after receiving reports about such activity Saturday morning. The Saturday arrest of five suspects and seizure of 175 kilograms of marijuana and other contraband led to the discovery of the mass grave.
Digging began Saturday mid-morning.