Man Arrested in Tulum for Allegedly Exploiting Teen in Drug Sales

Tulum, Quintana Roo — A man identified as Óscar “N” and/or Cristofer “N” was arrested in Tulum on charges of human trafficking for using a minor in criminal activities, the Quintana Roo State Prosecutor’s Office announced.

The arrest was carried out in coordination with the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) after a judge issued an arrest warrant based on an investigation launched following a complaint.

According to investigators, the case involves a teenager who was approached at a soccer field in the municipality. The suspect allegedly first offered the victim a job as a waiter, but later coerced him into selling drugs along Tulum’s coastal area.

Authorities said the suspect is linked to a criminal group that recruits minors for illicit activities, particularly drug distribution — a form of exploitation recognized under human trafficking laws.

After the complaint, prosecutors opened an investigation and requested the arrest warrant, which was executed by specialized agents in trafficking and exploitation of minors, with support from federal agencies.

The suspect has been handed over to a judge, who will determine in the coming hours whether to formalize charges and set pretrial measures while the investigation continues.

Because the case involves a minor, authorities are following specialized protocols, including protective measures for the victim and restricted information handling to prevent re-victimization.