Police Dismantle Cancún Extortion Ring “El Diablo”

Cancún, Mexico — In a significant blow to the organized crime elements controlling construction sites in Cancún, the Municipal Secretariat of Citizen Security and Transit of Benito Juárez, in coordination with the State Attorney General's Office (FGE) and the National Guard, secured the arrest of three individuals allegedly involved in crimes of extortion, drug dealing, and possession of firearms.

According to investigations, Miguel Ángel "N," alias "El Diablo," along with Angelina "N" and Susana "N," were part of a criminal group that demanded monthly payments of up to 75,000 pesos from construction managers to allow them to continue their work. Initially, the victims paid 40,000 pesos per month, but the demanded amount was later increased.

In addition to the fees, the criminals forced companies to hire members of their own gang as bricklayers and security personnel, in order to maintain internal control and facilitate the extortion. Even the workers themselves were pressured to hand over a portion of their weekly salaries as a "protection fee."

The arrest was made in the 341 Super Manzana district during actions of the "Blindaje Cancún" operation, when the suspects were caught handling small bags of suspected drugs next to a Volkswagen Jetta vehicle. Upon inspection, authorities secured:

• 203 small bags containing a green herb similar to marijuana.
• 120 small bags containing a crystalline substance with characteristics of crystal meth.
• 2 long .223 mm caliber firearms with magazines and live rounds.
• 1 .380 mm caliber handgun with a magazine and cartridges.

The detainees were turned over to the State Attorney General's Office to face corresponding charges for crimes against public health, possession of firearms, and extortion.