Shooting in Playa del Carmen linked to illegal loan collection

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — A young man, approximately 23 years old and of Colombian nationality, was seriously injured after being shot on Wednesday afternoon inside a grocery store located at the intersection of Avenida CTM and Calle Cacatúa in Playa del Carmen.

According to preliminary information, the victim, who was allegedly involved in collecting loans under the scheme known as “gota a gota” (drop by drop), arrived at the establishment on a motorcycle. Upon dismounting, he left his helmet on the vehicle and walked a few meters, at which point he was intercepted by an individual who shot him at least five times, causing serious injuries.

After the attack, the young man fell to the ground, while the aggressor fled the scene on foot. In an attempt to evade authorities, the attacker allegedly abandoned the clothes he was wearing among some rocks, presumably to hinder his identification.

Several spent cartridges were found at the site, indicating the violence of the attack. Paramedics arrived immediately and transported the injured man, who still had vital signs, to a hospital, where his health condition was reported as delicate.

Security personnel cordoned off the area and deployed a search operation to locate the responsible party. Authorities are investigating the case as a direct aggression, allegedly linked to illegal collection activities, a phenomenon that has generated concern in various sectors of the city. (Agencia SIM)