The Mexican authorities have said that five musicians who disappeared in the city of Reynosa, near the US border, were murdered by suspected drug cartel members. The Attorney General for the state of Tamaulipas said that nine alleged members of the notorious Gulf Cartel have been arrested on suspicion of murder. Nine firearms and two vehicles were also seized during the arrests. According to media reports, the musicians, known as Grupo Fugitivo, were kidnapped while travelling to a private event on 25 May.

Tamaulipas is one of Mexico’s most dangerous regions, plagued by criminal groups involved in drug trafficking, people smuggling, and extortion. Musicians in the country have previously been targeted by cartels that pay them to sing about their exploits.