Homicides Drop but Drug Trafficking Rises in Quintana Roo

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Intentional homicides in Quintana Roo dropped 72.2% in January 2026 compared to the same month last year, while drug trafficking cases increased 29.5%, according to the latest data from the National Public Security System’s Executive Secretariat.

The state recorded 10 intentional homicides in January 2026, down from 36 in January 2025. Meanwhile, drug trafficking investigations rose from 210 to 272 cases during the same period.

Legal experts link the decline in murders to localized disputes, score-settling, realignments among criminal cells, and extortion activities. The sustained growth in drug-related crimes indicates the local narcotics market continues to expand.

“This is a problem that took root in Cancún at the beginning of the century,” said an anonymous attorney. “The airport was just a springboard for drug transit to Europe, but at some point the product stayed here. So-called ‘narco-tienditas’ emerged and those substances began affecting our youth. It gradually expanded like humidity and now we see the consequences: a city with high addiction rates and numerous crimes linked to narcotics trafficking.”

Another criminal law expert stated that the wave of violence facing the tourist destination relates to micro-trafficking activities. While acknowledging efforts to combat it, the expert considered those efforts insufficient.

A survey among residents of neighborhoods like Paraíso Maya and Region 101 reflected concern about the expansion of drug sales points and their impact on daily life, particularly among teenagers.

“You notice more presence of clandestine drug outlets; almost every day we read or hear about executions or attacks linked to drugs,” said Liliana, a local resident. “The most regrettable thing is that many victims are young people, which is why we must be more attentive with our children.”

Parents expressed concern about both the national context and recent episodes associated with local conflicts.

“What happens in the country reflects what we do as a society,” said Monserrat Lugo, a behavioral therapy specialist and mother. “Cancún stopped being the paradise it’s promoted as a long time ago; there’s insecurity in different areas and, as we see, it’s linked to the consumption and distribution of illicit substances.”

Others agreed that the drug problem represents a serious risk for youth, as some fall into addiction while others move toward illegal sales. Although authorities highlight the reduction in homicides, the data shows that the increase in drug trafficking continues to be cause for social alarm.