At least 10 people abducted from Mexican restaurant

By Nancy Caouette

MEXICO CITY

At least 10 men were abducted from an upscale restaurant in the resort city of Puerto Vallarta, authorities said Monday.

Jalisco Attorney General Jesus Eduardo Almaguer said the abduction occurred around 1:05 a.m. local time (0605GMT) at the La Leche eatery located on the city main street.

“According to the testimonies, between 10 and 12 people have been deprived of their freedom by five armed men who arrived in two vehicles,” Almaguer said at a press conference in the city, adding that the victims were all men from the states of Jalisco, Sinaloa and Nayarit.

“According to the preliminary investigation and to the evidence found in the vehicles of the victims, we could establish the clear presumption that the men were members of a criminal group,” Almaguer said.

Asked about the possibility that the sons of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman - the most influential drug lord in Mexico who is in jail - could be a part of the group that was abducted, Almaguer said the investigation has not indicated as much, but he said an important businessman from Jalisco is among the victims.

Almaguer said all measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of the residents and tourists in Puerto Vallarta.

Jalisco is home to the Jalisco New Generation cartel which is now considered by experts as the most important and influential drug gang in Mexico.