SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – On Wednesday, Puerto Rican authorities launched an investigation into the disturbing killings of five men, whose naked and tortured bodies were discovered in public areas, a situation that is unusual for the U.S. territory grappling with drug trafficking issues.

Three of the victims were found on Tuesday, near a church in the northern city of Carolina, which is situated just east of the capital, San Juan. At this time, the identities of the victims have not been released to the public.

Additionally, police reported that two other bodies were uncovered on the same day in the Santurce neighborhood of San Juan. By Wednesday, one of these victims had been identified, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.

Authorities noted that all five bodies exhibited similar markings, which has led investigators to suspect a possible connection to drug trafficking activities. Police Superintendent Joseph González mentioned in an interview with El Nuevo Día newspaper, “It’s probably related to drug trafficking, but we’re not going to dismiss other angles.” This acknowledgment of multiple possible motives reflects the ongoing challenges and complexities faced by law enforcement in the region.

Puerto Rico has a long history as a transit route for illegal drugs en route to the U.S. mainland and beyond. This has contributed to the island's ongoing struggles with violence and crime, particularly in relation to drug-related activities.

As of Wednesday, Puerto Rico has reported 344 homicides in 2023, a slight decrease compared to 379 during the same period last year. This statistic highlights the persistent issues of crime within the territory, coupled with efforts to combat the drug trade that continue to plague the area and its inhabitants.

The investigation into these killings is ongoing, and authorities are working to ascertain further details that may shed light on the circumstances surrounding these horrific acts. The situation has raised public concern regarding safety and the influence of organized crime within the island.