FGE Raids Chetumal Bars: Alleged Abuse and Trafficking Rescues

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The Attorney General’s Office of Quintana Roo (FGE) has disclosed the outcomes of raids conducted in bars and a commercial establishment in Chetumal during the early hours of Saturday. The operation has drawn complaints from business owners, who accuse investigative police and ministerial agents of irregularities, abuses, and misconduct.

Allegations of Abuse and Illegal Detentions

According to affected parties, the raids were marked by theft, threats, and unlawful confinement of employees. Witnesses reported that officers forcibly entered establishments located on Calzada Veracruz at Marciano González and Avenida Venustiano Carranza between Independencia and Francisco I. Madero. They allegedly destroyed surveillance equipment and furniture, intimidated customers and staff, and transported business managers to the Vice Prosecutor’s Office of Justice for the Southern District.

Those detained claimed they were coerced into signing documents without being allowed to review their contents. Several individuals held without charges reported being released on the outskirts of the city after being threatened.

FGE’s Official Statement

Despite these allegations, the FGE stated that the raids were court-authorized after obtaining evidence of illicit activities in five establishments. Authorities reported the rescue of 26 women, presumed victims of human trafficking, and the seizure of substances resembling cocaine. Three individuals were arrested for alleged involvement in drug-related crimes.

The raided properties were placed under official custody and sealed. Key operations included:

• A bar in the Adolfo López Mateos neighborhood, where nine women were rescued.
• Another bar in the 8 de Octubre neighborhood, where 17 foreign and Mexican women were found, allegedly exploited for sexual purposes.
• Two karaoke bars and a convenience store, where drugs and surveillance equipment were confiscated.

The FGE maintained that all judicial orders were executed lawfully and that the seizure of security devices was part of standard legal procedures.

Internal Investigation Launched

In response to complaints of stolen money, cellphones, merchandise, and threats against employees, the FGE announced an internal investigation into the conduct of the officers involved. Business owners insist such abuses are recurring in the state capital and warned of potential protests if damages are not promptly addressed.

The FGE reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward impunity, both in prosecuting crimes and in the conduct of its personnel.