The recent murder of a Canadian citizen in Mexico appears to be connected to organized crime, local authorities say.

The body of Salid Abdulacis Sabas was found on a street in Culiacan, the capital of the Sinaloa state, which is known for drug trafficking violence.

The Latin American Herald Tribune, an English-language publication, reports Sabas was found at an intersection, apparently shot nine times with a .45 calibre weapon.

He had been shot close to midnight on Sunday and was carrying a Canadian passport at the time. Police are still investigating the motive for the killing.

Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed to CTV News that Sabas was originally from Iraq, but wouldn't say where he lived in Canada. It's been reported he's in his 30s.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of the victim," Foreign Affairs said in an emailed statement.

"Our officials in Mazatlan are in contact with local authorities and stand ready to provide consular assistance during this difficult time."

Sinaloa is home to the cartel led by Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, considered the most powerful drug trafficker in the world and listed by Forbes as one of the most influential global figures.

Over the past few weeks, two other Canadians were killed in Mexico. Robin Wood, 67, and Ximena Osegueda, 39, both from British Columbia, were murdered in separate incidents.