3 Los Chapitos Cartel Members Caught in Tulum Raid

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Mexican authorities apprehended three individuals in Tulum on Thursday, linking them to drug trafficking, extortion, and violent activities tied to the Sinaloa Cartel faction known as Los Chapitos.

Details of the Arrests

In a joint operation, agents from the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), the Mexican Army, Navy, National Guard, and state police detained the suspects, identified as key figures in the criminal group Los Compich, an affiliate of Los Chapitos.

The detainees were named as:

• José Benjamín Hau Herrera, alias El Cuervo, described as the regional leader of the group’s operations in Tulum.
• Fernando “N”, alias El Gavilán.
• Carlos Manuel “N”, alias El Barni.

Authorities seized nine firearms, 49 ammunition magazines, one grenade, two ballistic helmets, eight tactical vests, and four kilograms of marijuana during the operation.

The Operation

According to the official statement, security forces conducting patrols near the Nuevo Xcan-Kantuninkin highway spotted the suspects, who attempted to flee upon noticing the authorities. After a pursuit, the individuals were detained, and the weapons and drugs were discovered during a subsequent search.

Broader Context

The arrests come amid heightened efforts by Mexico’s security cabinet, which has reported approximately 3,500 detentions—including high-profile targets sought by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—following agreements with the U.S. to strengthen anti-drug trafficking measures.

The operation underscores ongoing tensions in Quintana Roo, where criminal groups affiliated with major cartels continue to clash over territorial control, particularly in tourist-heavy regions like Tulum.