Fentanyl-Laced Pills Sold in Cancún and Tulum Pharmacies

Cancún, Mexico — Mexican drug cartels have expanded their operations into a new illicit business: unregistered pharmacies selling counterfeit medications laced with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other opioids. A declassified report from the U.S. Department of State reveals these pharmacies primarily target American, Canadian, and European tourists in popular destinations like Cancún and Tulum.

A Growing Threat to Tourists

According to the report, transnational criminal organizations are increasingly using unlicensed pharmacies to distribute falsified drugs, many of which contain potent psychoactive substances. “These criminal groups exploit pharmacies lacking federal registration to sell counterfeit medications adulterated with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other opioids,” the document states.

The issue dates back to at least 2023, when Mexican authorities shut down 54 illegal pharmacies in Baja California and the Riviera Maya. “These pharmacies cater to tourists from the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe, who often unknowingly transport fentanyl and other illegal drugs across borders,” the report adds.

Common counterfeit medications include OxyContin, Xanax, Percocet, and Adderall, often sold through digital platforms like social media and online marketplaces.

Origins and Global Reach

While many falsified drugs originate in China and India, U.S. officials warn that domestic production is rising. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that counterfeit medications may account for over half of the global pharmaceutical market, with Mexico ranking as the sixth-largest illegal market for such drugs.

In the U.S., approximately 4.7% of overdose deaths are linked to counterfeit prescription pills, though rates soar to nearly 15% in western states. Despite this, the report notes that “the Mexican government does not publish data on falsified prescription drugs purchased by U.S. citizens in Mexico.”

Lack of Quality Control and Public Health Risks

Cartels bypass quality controls, diluting medications with dangerous, unauthorized substances like illicit fentanyl and benzodiazepines. “These pills increase overdose risks by exposing consumers to unintended drugs and endanger patients who rely on legitimate treatments,” the report warns.

Mexico’s Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) estimates that illegal pharmaceuticals may constitute up to 10% of the country’s total drug market.

Crackdowns and Enforcement

Following alerts from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and public complaints, Cofepris and the Mexican Navy (Semar) launched Operation Albatross in August 2023. The operation targeted unauthorized sales of counterfeit and controlled medications in Quintana Roo’s tourist hubs, including Playa del Carmen, Cancún, and Tulum.

From August 4–7, 2023, authorities conducted 55 inspections, shutting down two pharmacies in Playa del Carmen—Farmacia PDC and Farmacia PDC 10.2—for severe violations. These included selling controlled drugs without authorization, lacking sanitary licenses, and distributing potentially falsified medications. Over 5,000 opioid-laced pills were seized.

Expansion to Northern Mexico

The problem extends to Baja California and Baja California Sur. A 2024 investigation by the Los Angeles Times tested 40 pharmacies in Tijuana, Cabo San Lucas, and San José del Cabo, finding 17 sold fentanyl- or methamphetamine-laced drugs like oxycodone and hydrocodone. Many were small, independent stores in tourist districts offering prescriptions without oversight.

The U.S. opioid crisis, with over 70,000 overdose deaths in 2024, is closely tied to Mexican cartel operations. The State Department report highlights that much of the fentanyl entering the U.S. is produced in clandestine Mexican labs using precursor chemicals from China, then smuggled in powder, pill, or falsified medication form.