Vizsla Silver Corp.’s employees worked under the threat of gunfire, cartel checkpoints, and drones, according to the brother of a geologist with the Canadian mining company in Mexico. The geologist was one of five individuals discovered dead after being abducted by a suspected faction of the Sinaloa cartel.
Jaime Castañeda, the brother of José Manuel Castañeda Hernández, revealed that gunfights frequently erupted near the company’s exploration sites in the rugged, mountainous terrain of Sinaloa. Castañeda recounted how his brother and colleagues would hear gunfire in the evenings and throughout the night while staying at a secured residential compound in Concordia.
José Manuel Castañeda Hernández, aged 43, was among ten workers, including geologists, engineers, and security personnel, who were taken captive on January 23 in Concordia. The Mexican Attorney General’s Office confirmed the identification of five of the kidnapped individuals, all of whom were employed by Vizsla Silver.
The kidnappings occurred amid escalating violence in Sinaloa due to an internal conflict within the Sinaloa cartel. The power struggle between factions, Los Chapitos and La Mayiza, has resulted in numerous casualties across the state. Mexican authorities suspect Los Chapitos of orchestrating the abduction of the mining company workers.
Vizsla Silver emphasized its commitment to safety, stating that it had invested significantly in security measures and engaged experienced advisors. The company pledged support to the affected families and affirmed its adherence to Mexican and Canadian laws, condemning any illicit activities.
As investigations continue, doubts have been raised regarding the mistaken identity theory proposed by authorities. Security experts suggest that the kidnapping may be linked to territorial disputes between rival factions within the Sinaloa cartel. The situation remains complex, with families of the victims seeking answers and justice for their loved ones.
