“Cuervo” Charged in Tulum Homicide Case

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Authorities have dealt a significant blow to organized crime in Tulum after securing formal charges against José Benjamín "N," alias "Cuervo," a high-priority target in the state’s Criminal Atlas. The judicial ruling tightens the noose around those fueling violence in the municipality.

Police from the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) achieved a decisive legal victory as a judge ordered "Cuervo" and Fernando "N," an alleged accomplice, to stand trial for their suspected involvement in a aggravated homicide. The victim’s identity remains undisclosed.

A Notorious Criminal Leader with a Violent History

José Benjamín "N," identified as the operational leader of a high-risk criminal cell, has been linked to multiple high-impact crimes, including drug trafficking, extortion, and a string of executions that have terrorized Tulum and surrounding areas. His arrest marks a pivotal disruption in the ongoing power struggle among cartels vying for control of drug distribution routes and extortion rackets targeting businesses, bars, restaurants, and tourist developments.

Arrest and Judicial Proceedings

The suspects were recently apprehended in Tulum in possession of narcotics and a firearm restricted to military use, triggering alerts within state intelligence systems. Subsequent investigations tied them to the homicide, leading to their formal indictment.

The judge also imposed preventive detention as a precautionary measure, which will remain in effect for up to two years or until the trial concludes. This decision aims to prevent escape attempts or retaliatory actions by their criminal network.

Impact on Organized Crime

Security sources indicate that "Cuervo’s" prosecution weakens the command structure of the criminal organization operating in southern Quintana Roo, particularly in Tulum, where recent months have seen a surge in drug-related killings and territorial disputes. Authorities anticipate potential retaliatory violence and have bolstered security operations in the region with federal support.

The FGE reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling criminal networks in Quintana Roo, ensuring close monitoring of the case to prevent impunity and deliver justice for victims of organized crime.

This case aligns with a broader state strategy, backed by the Security Council, to target high-profile offenders listed in the Criminal Atlas—a document identifying the primary instigators of violence in the region. Officials emphasize zero tolerance for those destabilizing Quintana Roo’s tourist destinations.