GUATEMALA CITY — The number of abandoned bodies found on public streets has surged dramatically in Central America's Guatemala, raising serious concerns among local authorities who attribute the spike to escalating turf wars between violent street gangs.

According to local media reports on the 17th (local time), 137 bodies wrapped in plastic bags or sacks have been discovered abandoned on streets across Guatemala so far this year. This represents a more than threefold increase compared to the 39 bodies found discarded in public areas throughout the previous year.

Data from the Attorney General’s Office shows that bodies found inside plastic bags accounted for the highest number at 68, followed by 53 bodies wrapped tightly in bedsheets. Another 10 bodies were discovered stuffed into sacks, with the remaining cases falling under other categories.

The most recent incident occurred late last month in the municipality of Chinautla, located about 5 kilometers from downtown Guatemala City. Police and firefighters rushed to the scene after residents reported suspicious plastic bags left by the roadside, recovering two bodies. The victims were found with their hands and feet bound inside the plastic bags.

While police have launched an investigation—including reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage near the scene—no definitive clues to identify the suspects have yet emerged. However, law enforcement strongly suspects the involvement of organized crime syndicates.

"Discarding bodies in plastic bags is a signature method used by gangs to dispose of remains," a police investigator noted. "Further investigation is needed, but it is highly likely that this is the work of gangs."

Guatemala police have arrested 10 individuals this year on charges of dumping bodies wrapped in plastic bags and sacks on public roads. The suspects include seven members of the notorious gang "Mara Salvatrucha" (MS-13), who were arrested and indicted last month in connection with at least 17 homicides.

Of note, while the number of bodies abandoned in plastic bags and sacks is on the rise, overall homicide rates have not increased. According to the civil society organization "Citizen Security Coalition" (CSC), 2,338 homicides were recorded across Guatemala between January and September of this year, marking a decrease of 59 cases compared to the same period last year.

Local media outlets analyze that the coexistence of declining overall homicides and a rise in this specific method of body disposal strongly suggests that gang activity is becoming increasingly aggressive and entrenched.

Guatemala police have arrested 750 gang members this year alone. This includes 516 members of "Barrio 18"—a gang that originated in the 1960s and has since evolved into a transnational criminal organization—and 204 members of the infamous international gang Mara Salvatrucha. Last year, the Guatemalan government officially designated both Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha as terrorist organizations.

"Competition among gangs to secure drug trafficking strongholds is intensifying by the day," local media reported. "Areas where bodies wrapped in plastic bags or sacks are discovered are typically the frontline battlegrounds where these gangs wage their wars."

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