Playa del Carmen Launches School Bag Inspections After Student Drug Incidents

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Authorities have launched random bag inspections, known as “Operativo Mochila,” in Playa del Carmen schools after several students were found with prohibited substances, leading to suspected intoxications in recent months.

Félix Teh Cen, director of Education, Urban Development and Libraries for the municipality, confirmed that the first inspection took place at the Vicente Guerrero secondary school in the Palmas neighborhood. Police had to intervene there in May after a suspected drug intoxication.

“We are starting with this school, and we hope the Public Security Department can support us with operations in other schools where different situations are occurring,” Teh Cen said.

The Vicente Guerrero school experienced an incident in May involving students under 15 who apparently consumed illicit substances on campus. Police and child protection authorities responded.

The situation raised concerns among parents, not only at that school but across the community, who expressed uncertainty about possible drug distribution within the school.

“We are only doing this at the basic education level. We will soon establish a citizen participation council where we will address such issues, and parents themselves will support us on these very important points,” Teh Cen added.

Teh Cen noted that the inspections are conducted alongside staff from the state human rights agency to minimize any infringement on students’ privacy rights.

In addition to the Vicente Guerrero case, a similar incident occurred in March at another secondary school in Villas del Sol. A teacher remains in custody facing criminal proceedings for corruption of minors.