Five severed human heads were discovered hanging from ropes on a beach in Ecuador, according to police.
According to multiple reports, local authorities said the gruesome scene appeared to be linked to ongoing drug-related violence gripping the country.
Ecuadorian media outlets showed the heads suspended from wooden poles placed directly on the beach, CBS News reported.
A wooden sign that was positioned next to the remains contained a written message.
According to The Associated Press, the message was directed at individuals accused of extorting local fishermen.
Officers attributed the incident to a conflict between rival criminal groups operating in the region.
Hellbound and Down 