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Northwestern officials in the state of Sinaloa breathed a collective sigh of relief on Sunday as all 66 victims of a mass kidnapping in Culiacán were accounted for, more than two weeks after their mysterious disappearance.

According to State Public Security Secretary Gerardo Mérida Sánchez, the remaining eight kidnap victims were safely returned home and found to be in good health.

The case has been described as “atypical” by Mérida, who explained that none of the victims wanted to file charges. “This doesn’t happen here on a daily basis,” he said, “Well, in some states it doesn’t.”

The ordeal began on March 22, when 66 individuals were snatched from their homes, but two days later, 58 were released in two separate actions. The German newspaper DW reported on March 25 that the victims were released unharmed.

However, the incident left a lasting impact on the city of Culiacán. The following day, multiple “narco banners” appeared throughout the city, bearing the faces of some of the still-missing hostages. These banners, believed to be tied to the Sinaloa Cartel subgroup known as Los Chapitos, warned of retribution against thieves and urged residents to report any criminal activity.

Initial speculation pointed to a clash between rival drug cartels as the cause of the mass kidnapping. A shoot-out involving armed civilians and an Army contingent took place the day after the kidnapping, resulting in the death of at least one soldier.

Criticism was directed at Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha for his response to the incident, where he controversially stated that “Sadly, these things happen” before urging citizens not to live in fear.

On Sunday, Governor Rocha expressed gratitude for the safe return of the final eight victims, and thanked the authorities involved in the rescue operation. However, Mérida declined to provide further information on the case, citing an ongoing investigation.

As of now, there is no clear explanation for the kidnapping. While some officials believe it may have been a cash grab, as claimed by the narco banners, no concrete evidence has been presented.

The incident has sparked widespread debate and speculation, with state authorities pursuing new leads during Easter Week. More than two weeks later, the whole truth behind the mass abduction remains unclear.

Sources: Expansión, El Universal, and DW.

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