Mérida, Yucatán — Authorities in Quintana Roo confirmed the arrest of Arturo Misael “N,” alias “El Huamúchil,” “Güero,” or “Huacho,” a suspected major criminal operator in northern Quintana Roo who allegedly coordinated illicit activities from Mérida, Yucatán.
The arrest, carried out in a joint operation involving federal and state agencies and intelligence units from Yucatán and Quintana Roo, was described by the Quintana Roo Prosecutor’s Office as one of the year’s most significant actions against criminal groups.
During a security cabinet press conference, State Prosecutor Raciel López Salazar said the suspect was a high-priority target in the state’s crime atlas due to his alleged involvement in violent incidents in Benito Juárez, Isla Mujeres, Lázaro Cárdenas, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos.
According to investigators, Arturo Misael “N,” a native of Sinaloa, was part of the criminal structure led by Héctor Elías Flores Aceves, alias “El 15,” a figure linked to the Sinaloa Cartel who was sentenced to 50 years in prison in 2025 for aggravated homicide.
Evidence suggests that from Yucatán, he issued orders to criminal cells carrying out executions against members of rival groups vying for control in Quintana Roo.
The prosecutor’s office also accuses him of running an extortion network targeting taxi union operators in Isla Mujeres. Authorities said the group demanded daily payments of about 200 pesos from roughly 100 drivers, generating an estimated 20,000 pesos per day.
He is also accused of controlling drug distribution at establishments in Cancún’s Las Palapas area and engaging in confrontations with other criminal organizations operating in Lázaro Cárdenas.
The arrest occurred on May 27 and also led to the detention of Baltazar “N” and Aristeo “N,” alias “Bambam,” identified as alleged collaborators.
During the operation, personnel from the Mexican Army, National Guard, Yucatán State Investigative Police, the State Prosecutor’s Office, and Quintana Roo intelligence units seized 10 vehicles and 1,851 doses of various drugs believed to be linked to illicit operations.
A judge ordered pretrial detention for the three suspects while investigations continue.
Prosecutor López Salazar highlighted the coordination with Yucatán authorities and emphasized collaboration between security and justice agencies of both states.
Authorities said the investigation continues with the goal of fully dismantling the criminal structure tied to the detainee and his operatives in Quintana Roo.
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