Four Police Officers Arrested in Abduction of Three Young Men in Chetumal

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Four active police officers, including three municipal officers and one state officer, have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the abduction of three young men on Aug. 29, state Attorney General Raciel López Salazar confirmed Monday.

Speaking at the Security Cabinet news conference, López Salazar said the four officers were handed over to a judge and face charges of forced disappearance, abuse of authority, and vehicle theft. If convicted, they could each face more than 50 years in prison.

The suspects were identified as José Rogelio “N,” Ángel Israel “N,” Ana Karen “N,” and José Gerardo “N.” According to the state prosecutor’s office, the officers allegedly intercepted the victims and later turned them over to members of a criminal group.

“We will not tolerate any authority that abuses its power, much less one that acts as an accomplice to criminal groups,” López Salazar said, emphasizing that officers are responsible for protecting the public.

Abductions After a Night Out

The case dates to the early hours of Aug. 29, when Luis Manuel Cervantes Cámara, 21, Jonathan Farid Manzanilla Aguilar, 20, and Everardo Enrique Hernández Manzanilla, 23, were taken against their will at different points along Boulevard Bahía after visiting nightlife establishments.

Luis Manuel and Jonathan Farid were traveling together in a black car when armed men blocked their path and fired shots to force them to stop, according to the prosecutor’s office. They were pulled from the vehicle and taken away by force. Everardo Enrique, who was driving alone in a Ford, was also intercepted and abducted.

The disappearances set off a large search operation in and around Chetumal involving state and municipal police, as well as personnel from the Mexican Army, the Navy, and the National Guard.

Luis Manuel and Jonathan Farid were found alive during the search. Everardo Enrique was located Aug. 31 and taken to the General Hospital for medical treatment after being found in poor condition.

Investigation Turns to Police

With the three young men located, investigators focused on identifying those responsible. The case took a turn this week when the investigation confirmed the participation of security force members.

Although it initially appeared that five officers were being investigated, the prosecutor’s office confirmed Monday that four had been arrested: three from the Othón P. Blanco Municipal Police and one from the state police force.

According to the investigation, the officers directly took part in the abductions and handed at least one of the victims over to members of a criminal group. The four officers remain in custody while the judicial process determines their criminal responsibility.