Archive · 29 Jul 2025
High-Tech Tools, Pigs Used to Find Victims of Mexican Cartels
In Mexico, many people have disappeared because of drug cartels.
Scientists are using new tools to help find them.
They're studying how pigs decompose because pigs are similar to humans.
They bury the pigs and use cameras on drones to see how the ground changes.
This helps them look for hidden graves.
The project uses advanced technology, like special cameras and satellite maps, to find clues.
This way, families may find their missing loved ones.
Scientists use pigs and advanced technology to search for missing persons in Mexico.
Over 130,000 people have gone missing in Mexico due to drug cartel violence since 2006.
Government scientists are testing satellite, geophysical, and biological mapping techniques.
The project includes collaboration with universities and the Jalisco Search Commission.
Pigs are used as proxies due to their physical similarities to humans.
- Who
- Scientists, in collaboration with universities and the Jalisco Search Commission, are leading the project.
- What
- Scientists are using high-tech tools and pigs to search for missing persons in Mexico.
- When
- The search efforts began after the launch of the war against drug cartels in 2006.
- Where
- The search is taking place in Mexico, particularly in Jalisco.
- Why
- To help locate the over 130,000 people missing due to drug cartel violence.
- Missing Persons
- Over 130,000
- Start Year of Cartel War
- 2006
- Location
- Mexico, Jalisco
- Project Partners
- Universities, Jalisco Search Commission
- Techniques Used
- Satellite, geophysical, and biological mapping
- Pigs' Role
- Proxies for humans in decomposition studies