Border Corruption Exposed at Key Crossing

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — A suspected corruption network is allegedly operating within the Subteniente López customs office in the border zone, facilitating the passage of illegal merchandise disguised as legal cargo. According to citizen complaints and testimonies gathered, the operations are reportedly carried out with the direct authorization of the head of the office, retired Brigadier General Javier Joaquín Zúñiga Rodríguez.

A Scheme of Concealment and Bribery

The information obtained indicates the scheme is allegedly integrated by officials and military personnel who purportedly coordinate the crossing of vehicles known as "loaded vans," which transport illegal merchandise hidden in false bottoms. These units typically present documentation for legal products like fans, uniforms, or sandals, while in reality concealing weapons, drugs, or other prohibited objects.

The allegations point to this structure having operated consistently for at least six months, charging approximately 45,000 pesos for each vehicle that manages to pass through the customs filter without being inspected. The money is allegedly collected by Nidia Carol Miguel Solís, the purported financial operator of the network, who would then distribute the funds among those implicated and deliver a majority portion to Zúñiga Rodríguez.

Named Individuals and Broader Accusations

Other named individuals include Licenciado Cristóbal López Manuel and three military elements identified as José Luis Islas Suárez, Luis Adolfo Embriz Díaz, and Edgar Pérez Dorantes, who are allegedly involved in the operational coordination of the passage of the loaded units.

The corruption accusations are accompanied by a series of allegations of abuse of power and misuse of public resources. Residents of Chetumal denounce that military personnel under the command of the retired general use official vehicles for personal matters, drive at excessive speeds through the city, ignore traffic regulations, and have been involved in accidents in areas unrelated to customs duties.

Impact on the Local Community

Local merchants and residents also report extortion of businesses and visitors, who are allegedly pressured to pay bribes to allow the passage of merchandise. This has severely impacted the regional economy and created an environment of fear and impunity at the border.

Given the severity of the accusations, citizens of Chetumal have demanded the immediate intervention of federal authorities to dismantle this alleged corruption network, which not only compromises the state's economy but also represents a direct risk to national security by facilitating the trafficking of illegal goods at a strategic point in the country.

"It is sad to see how our authorities, instead of protecting us, put the city and the country at risk. We cannot allow this situation to continue," expressed one of the complainants.

To date, neither state nor federal authorities have issued any official statement regarding the allegations against the head of the Subteniente López customs office and his team.