Scientists in Mexico Use Pigs to Search for Victims of Narco Cartels

• In Mexico, scientists are using pigs to search for missing victims of drug cartels
• The project combines new technologies with traditional methods of investigation
• The number of missing persons exceeds 130,000 since 2006

In Mexico, scientists are using pigs as a practice for people in investigations aimed at searching for missing victims of drug cartels. In 2023, a project was launched that combines new technologies with the search for victims, who have been missing since 2006, when the war with the cartels began.

The number of missing persons due to the violence of drug cartels in Mexico exceeds 130,000, which is more than in any other country in Latin America. Many missing persons are sought by their relatives, who usually have little support from the authorities.

The project includes collaboration between universities in Mexico and Oxford, as well as state agencies. Researchers will use satellite technologies, geographic and biological methods to identify bodies. For this, pigs are kept in different conditions to observe the process of their decomposition and its impact on the surrounding environment.

The use of pigs is based on their genetic similarity to humans, which allows researchers to study how various factors influence decomposition. In addition, researchers will compare data on plant life and insects associated with the remains of pigs and humans.

Technologies, such as thermal drones and laser scanners, are used to detect anomalies in the ground. However, experts warn that technology is not a panacea, and much of the search still relies on witness testimony and manual labor.

Tags: Crime/Research