Cancún Bar Raid Uncovers Six Possible Human Trafficking Victims

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Authorities identified six women as possible victims of human trafficking during a raid on a bar in Supermanzana 23 in Cancún, the State Prosecutor’s Office (FGE) reported.

Five of the women are Mexican nationals and one is Guatemalan. State Prosecutor’s Office agents carried out the operation in coordination with the Mexican Navy, the National Guard and Municipal Police after a judge issued a search warrant.

According to preliminary investigations, the women were working at the establishment in a practice known locally as “fichar” — earning commissions for drinks bought by customers — while prosecutors are investigating possible forced prostitution.

Recruited through vulnerability, prosecutors say

The FGE said the women appear to have been recruited by exploiting conditions of vulnerability, including limited education and single motherhood.

Investigators found that the women received between 50 and 150 pesos for each drink a customer bought for them, and offered sexual services at prices ranging from 500 to 1,500 pesos. They allegedly had to hand over half of that income to the person in charge of the establishment.

During the raid, members of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Trafficking in Persons and the Exploitation of Children and Adolescents seized a white solid substance, pink powder, a cellphone, condoms, notebooks with handwritten records, a smartwatch and clothing.

After the search concluded, the property on Chaca street was secured and placed under the guard of the Prosecutor’s Office while the investigation continues.

The six women were taken to State Prosecutor’s Office facilities to give statements and receive assistance. The seized items were turned over to the Public Ministry as part of the case file.