Police officers and forensic teams have searched a field in Swindon less than half a mile from the home of Linda Razzell, who was last seen in 2002, following a tip-off from a member of the public.
Detectives said they were keeping "an open mind", when asked whether the search was linked to the mother-of-four's disappearance.
"We are conducting some local enquiries in the Highworth area following information from a member of the public," a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said in a statement on Saturday.
"As part of these enquiries, we have cordoned off an area in a field off Pentylands Lane.
"Officers, including dog units, have been at the scene since yesterday and are likely to remain there for the coming days.
"As our enquiries are still at an early stage, we are unable to provide further details at this time, but if there is an update we will let the public know."
Ms Razzell disappeared on 19 March 2002 after driving to work at a college in Swindon.
Her mobile phone was later found in an alleyway.
Glyn Razzell, her estranged husband, was found guilty of the 41-year-old's murder in 2003 and was jailed, but has continued to protest his innocence.
Ms Razzell's body has never been found.
Additional reporting by SWNS
