El Burgos Leads Armed Squatters in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Under the guise of a supposed popular defense, an individual identified by the alias "El Burgos" has been named as the leader of land invasions registered in the western zone of Playa del Carmen, particularly in plot 186, known as Gloria Escondida, where a new armed confrontation between squatters and security forces erupted this Monday.

According to ministerial and security sources, "El Burgos" uses a group of people—whom he presents as a social base—to violently confront police forces, portraying evictions as alleged abuses of authority while concealing more serious criminal activities.

A Zone Under Criminal Control

In the area surrounding plot 186, authorities have detected cenotes and natural cavities that are allegedly being used as hiding places for weapons and drugs belonging to a criminal organization with a presence in Playa del Carmen.

During the most recent operation, elements of the State Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) were met with gunfire and direct attacks, which forced authorities to reinforce the police presence and deploy an operation with support from the National Guard. Neighbors reported moments of panic due to the shootings and the presence of smoke from burning vehicles.

Units Set Ablaze and Journalist Assaulted

Amid the chaos, the squatters set fire to a truck belonging to the company Tucsa and an official SSC unit. They also assaulted a journalist covering the judicial operation.

The confrontation began when agents arrived to enforce a judicial eviction order, requested by the Playa del Carmen ejido, the legitimate owner of the invaded land. However, the group led by "El Burgos" responded with violence, throwing stones, sticks, and even firing weapons at the officers.

Firefighters and the National Guard intervened to control the flames and restore order. Five people were detained and turned over to the State Attorney General's Office, which has opened an investigation file for damages, injuries, attacks on authority, and crimes against public security.

Violent Escalation and Permanent Alert

The area known as Gloria Escondida has become a hotspot for authorities due to the frequency of confrontations and the infiltration of armed groups linked to cells of organized crime operating in the northern part of the state.

Intelligence sources warn that the land invasions have transformed into a criminal business, where leaders like "El Burgos" profit from the illegal sale of lots while simultaneously maintaining links with drug trafficking networks that use the properties as warehouses or safe houses.

Authorities Condemn the Events

The State Citizen Security Secretariat condemned the acts of violence and the aggression against the press, reiterating that the illegal occupation of ejidal lands will not be permitted, nor will the presence of armed groups that challenge the state be tolerated.

The agency emphasized that it will continue surveillance and land recovery operations in the western zone of Solidaridad, where a pattern of invasions linked to illicit activities has been detected.