Lack of Police Checkpoints on Yucatan Highways Raises Security Concerns

Eastern Yucatan — Limited police checkpoints on major highways in eastern Yucatan have sparked concerns among drivers and residents, who say the roads have become easy routes for criminal activity due to insufficient security operations.

Drivers specifically point to the Cancún–Mérida highway and the Felipe Carrillo Puerto–Valladolid stretch as problematic routes. These roads connect Yucatan with Quintana Roo and see daily traffic from transporters, merchants, and tourists.

According to frequent drivers, only two or three police checkpoints currently operate along these highways, and they function primarily during morning hours. After that, they say, the roads remain largely unmonitored.

“In the morning there’s still police presence, but later there’s nobody checking. The highways become completely free, and that’s worrying because anyone can pass without being stopped,” said one driver who regularly travels between Quintana Roo and eastern Yucatan.

The situation is worsened by numerous alternative paths and rural roads that bypass official checkpoints. Residents near these routes report that vehicles frequently use them to avoid police controls, creating security risks for the region.

Transporters and motorists worry the lack of constant surveillance could facilitate the movement of illegal goods, stolen vehicles, or criminal groups taking advantage of hours without police presence.

These eastern highways are considered strategic because they connect directly to important tourist and commercial zones, increasing vehicle flow throughout day and night.

Residents have asked state authorities to strengthen security on these highway stretches, maintain 24-hour operations, and monitor alternative access routes into Yucatan. They also recommend increasing patrols and establishing random checkpoints at various locations to prevent these roads from being used for illicit activities.