Four Suspected Cartel Members Arrested on Cenote Route in Puerto Morelos

Four men in handcuffs being led by police officers near a vehicle on a highway

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — A joint operation between state investigative police and municipal officers led to the arrest of four men suspected of belonging to a high-risk criminal cell on the highway connecting Puerto Morelos to Leona Vicario, near an archaeological site.

The suspects were identified as Ezequiel Lucas N., Enrique N., Bryan Alejandro N., and Eduardo Neftalí N. Authorities seized six assault rifles, a 9mm pistol, approximately 270 rounds of ammunition, tactical vests, and bags of marijuana from their compact vehicle.

Employees at the scene alerted police by radio after noticing the officers’ presence, enabling the intervention.

According to the State Prosecutor’s Office, the cell is directly linked to the kidnapping and subsequent murder of a 24-year-old woman reported missing on May 16 in Cancún. Her body was later found on the so-called Cenote Route.

Preliminary investigations suggest the crime was motivated by drug dealing. The victim’s death left four minors orphaned.

The four suspects were handed over to a control judge, who ordered pretrial detention while their legal status is resolved and their possible involvement in other high-impact crimes in the northern part of the state is investigated.

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By Javier Mendez

Javier Mendez covers public safety, law enforcement, and legal affairs in Quintana Roo. He monitors official reports from the FGE (State Prosecutor's Office), the Mexican Navy, and municipal police to deliver accurate English summaries of crime, trafficking cases, arrests, and court rulings affecting the Riviera Maya region.Javier has been covering crime and public safety news since 2023, reporting on cases ranging from felony arrests and human trafficking investigations to court proceedings and organized crime-related incidents across Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chetumal. His reporting provides English-speaking residents and travelers with reliable, timely information about safety conditions in Quintana Roo's major tourist destinations.Javier works closely with official government sources and press offices to verify facts before publication, and maintains an archive of law enforcement communications to provide context for ongoing stories. He is dedicated to accurate, factual reporting on complex safety issues that affect both residents and visitors to the region.For story tips: javier@rivieramayanews.mx