Federal and State Authorities Arrest Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Leader in Cancún

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Federal and state authorities arrested a woman in Cancún who allegedly leads a criminal group linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, seizing drugs, a firearm, cash, and an armored vehicle during the operation.

Officers from the Public Security Department, the Mexican Navy, and the Mexican Army detained Maribelli “N,” known as “La Pastrana,” in the Supermanzana 237 neighborhood of Benito Juárez municipality. She is suspected of involvement in drug trafficking and violations of federal firearms laws.

The arrest occurred during a coordinated patrol when officers spotted two people exchanging small transparent bags containing a green substance resembling marijuana behind a vehicle. Upon noticing the authorities, both attempted to flee. One suspect escaped into nearby properties, while the woman tried to enter the vehicle but was intercepted on Calle 130.

During a search, officers seized marijuana, crystal meth, crack cocaine, cash in pesos and U.S. dollars, bank cards, and a passport. A subsequent inspection yielded 89 small bags of a green, dry herb resembling marijuana, 28 bags of crystalline fragments resembling crystal meth, and 23 bags of white solid fragments resembling crack cocaine.

Authorities also confiscated 8,000 pesos, $294 in U.S. currency, four bank cards, a Mexican passport in her name, a silver and black Taurus .380 caliber pistol loaded with 19 rounds, an iPhone, and a blue armored Chevrolet Tahoe with Sinaloa license plates.

Preliminary information suggests Maribelli “N” may be connected to a shooting at the Carboneros bar. Security camera footage reportedly shows her driving a compact vehicle from which armed men fled after the attack.

The suspect and the seized evidence were handed over to the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Drug Trafficking, which will handle the investigation and determine her legal status. Authorities said the investigation continues to locate other possible suspects.