Quintana Roo Slashes Homicides by 61% in Security Overhaul

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Omar García Harfuch, head of Mexico’s Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), presented the results of the National Security Strategy implemented in Quintana Roo from October 1, 2024, to August 11, 2025. The report highlighted significant seizures, arrests, and a sharp decline in high-impact crimes, including a 61% reduction in intentional homicides.

Key Achievements of the National Security Strategy

According to the official report, during the evaluated period:

• 1,300 kilograms of narcotics were seized.
• 3,258 individuals were detained for high-impact crimes.
• The State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) secured indictments for over 90% of detainees and obtained 1,000 convictions.
• Nearly 300 firearms were confiscated.

In July 2025 alone, authorities made 94 arrests and seized 432 kilograms of drugs.

Notable Arrests in Quintana Roo

Among the most significant operations conducted by the Security Cabinet were:

• Benito Juárez: Capture of David Ricardo “N,” wanted in the U.S. for arms trafficking.
• Playa del Carmen: Arrest of María José “N,” alias “Lorena,” linked to a Sinaloa-based criminal group.
• Cancún: Detention of Zacarías “N,” alias “El Skinny,” leader of the Los Skinny cell and a key instigator of violence in the hotel zone.
• Tulum: Arrest of José Benjamín “N,” alias “Cuervo,” a high-priority target and major source of regional violence.
• Playa del Carmen: Capture of Bernardo Alejandro “N,” a member of a criminal organization involved in extortion and merchandise monopolization in the State of Mexico.
• In the same area, eight members of a criminal group were detained, with multiple firearms seized.

Coordinated Operations in Other States

As part of the broader strategy, authorities in Mérida, Yucatán, executed three arrest warrants for high-priority targets accused of aggravated homicide and extortion. Five individuals were also apprehended with weapons and tactical gear.

Impact on Crime Rates in Quintana Roo

García Harfuch emphasized that collaboration between federal, state, and municipal forces led to a 61% drop in intentional homicides over the past year. Other crimes showing notable declines included:

• Robbery of pedestrians: -22%
• Vehicle theft: -8%
• Commercial robbery: -6%

Crackdown on Extortion

Under the National Strategy Against Extortion, 214 individuals tied to extortion schemes were arrested in Quintana Roo. During a press conference on August 15, the SSPC chief also noted that no kidnappings were reported in the state during the assessed period.

The full report on the National Security Strategy’s impact in Quintana Roo is available for review here.