Mexican authorities found at least 49 bodies in the northern border state of Nuevo Leon

Mexican authorities found at least 49 bodies ( 43 men and 6 women ) in the northern border state of Nuevo Leon Sunday morning, police said .The remains some of which were mutilated were found in plastic bags along the highway between the cities of Monterrey and Reynosa, the state-run Notimex news agency reported, citing police sources.

A message left on a wall nearby appeared to refer to the Zetas drug cartel.Police and troops were combing the area and had set up checkpoints.Authorities received a report of the bodies around 3 a.m. Sunday, police said.

The remains were found in the municipality of Cadereyta Jimenez, near the industrial city of Monterrey and about 80 miles southwest of the U.S. border, police said.Forensic investigators were at the scene, and troops blocked the highway.