Olympiacos striker Alan Pulido kidnapped in Mexico

Olympiacos striker Alan Pulido was kidnapped in his native Mexico this weekend, both a state official and the player's brother confirmed.

The state official told the Associated Press that Pulido, 25, was taken near his hometown of Ciudad Victoria, in the northern border state of Tamaulipas, on Sunday after leaving a party.

Pulido's brother, Armando, confirmed as much in speaking with Mexican outlet Medio Tiempo: "Yes, it's true, the kidnapping of Alan," he said. "He disappeared since early morning and we have the full support of the governor."

As noted by the Guardian, the area in which the kidnapping occurred has been riddled with violence due to ongoing battles for control of the area between rival cartels.

Pulido’s kidnapping put attention on the public security problems in Mexico and especially Tamaulipas state, which occupies the country’s north-eastern corner and has been beset by violence and crimes such as kidnap and extortion.

Security analysts say the Gulf Cartel and its former armed wing Los Zetas have disputed the state since splitting in 2010.

Ciudad Victoria, the state capital, has been especially hard hit, with shootouts occurring in broad daylight and residents preferring to stay off the streets after dark.

Pulido, who was not called up to the Mexican squad for the upcoming Copa America Centenario due to a legal dispute with his former side Tigres, has made six appearances for El Tri since his debut in 2014.