Taxi Drivers Among Nine Arrested in Playa del Carmen Drug Bust

Playa del Carmen, MX. — The Quintana Roo Attorney General’s Office reported that nine people—seven of them taxi drivers—were detained at various points in Playa del Carmen following several flagrant interventions carried out by the Investigation Police in coordination with the Municipal Police. All are accused of their alleged involvement in drug trafficking activities.

The detentions resulted from anonymous complaints, intelligence work, and patrols within the interinstitutional operation implemented to curb drug sales in tourist, commercial, and residential areas of the municipality.

On the federal highway Chetumal-Cancún, near the Corasol complex, Ángel Antonio “N” was apprehended while handling plant material with characteristics of marijuana; two cell phones and a Suzuki Ertiga taxi were also seized. In the same area, but on Xcalacoco Street, Aldo Cruz “N” was captured under similar circumstances, along with two phones and another Suzuki Ertiga taxi.

In Punta Maroma, Efrén “N” and Antonio “N”, both taxi drivers, were detained after being caught exchanging alleged marijuana. Three cell phones and a JAC taxi were secured from them.

Outside the Vidanta Riviera Maya hotel, agents arrested Sergio “N” and Miguel Omar “N”, also taxi drivers, while they were apparently exchanging doses. Two taxis and two phones were seized.

In the Ejidal neighborhood, Jesús Alfredo “N” was detained while handling green plant material similar to marijuana next to a taxi where more doses were found. A mobile phone was also secured from him.

Finally, in the Palmas I subdivision and on 25th North Avenue, Guilibaldo “N” and Alejandro “N” were captured, respectively, during investigative patrols, after being caught handling alleged marijuana.

The FGE detailed that two of the detained taxi drivers, Ángel Antonio “N” and Aldo “N”, have already been linked to proceedings for drug trafficking offenses in the modality of possession for supply purposes. In Aldo “N”‘s case, the Control Judge determined preventive detention as a precautionary measure for the duration of the process. (With information from the State Attorney General’s Office)