Residents Accuse Authorities of Fabricating Arrests and Extortion in Chiquilá and Holbox Operations

Kantunilkín, Quintana Roo — Behind the tourist postcard image of northern Lázaro Cárdenas, in the communities of Chiquilá and Holbox, a stark story of impunity has emerged. A former port council member, who requested anonymity for security reasons, has broken the silence to allege systematic irregularities in security operations coordinated by authorities in the region, particularly along the route connecting both destinations.

According to testimony gathered by Ruptura 360, authorities appear to be executing a strategy of “window dressing” statistics. The source claims that police are arresting innocent citizens to project results in fighting crime, while the actual perpetrators of violence—those involved in drug sales and extortion—operate with complete freedom in the region.

Cases That Outrage the Community

The detention of Berenice “N,” identified by the State Prosecutor’s Office for alleged disobedience and resisting authority, has sparked social discontent. As someone connected to a family with deep roots in the community, the former official described the incident as an act of arbitrariness reflecting an institutional pattern of behavior.

“These aren’t isolated cases,” the source said. “They take young people for alleged drug possession and, once they’ve been paraded before cameras, demand payments of up to 50,000 pesos to release them. It’s a business with people’s freedom.”

The Silence of Fear in Chiquilá and Holbox

The problem extends forcefully to the island area, where a second source confirmed that a “code of silence” prevails. The fear stems not only from organized crime but from deep distrust toward institutions responsible for administering justice. Reports indicate that disappearance cases never reach official investigation files, as families in Chiquilá and Holbox prefer to remain silent to protect their members’ safety amid the lack of guarantees.

One documented case involved a citizen detained in Holbox simply for carrying a bag. According to the account, State Prosecutor’s Office personnel allegedly coerced him into self-incrimination, threatening to “plant” drugs on him and immediately transfer him to the Social Reintegration Center if he didn’t cooperate with their narrative.

Facing this situation, affected residents of Chiquilá and Holbox are urgently calling on state authorities and human rights organizations to conduct a thorough audit of security operations. Their demand is clear: complete transparency and an end to practices that victimize the local population while criminal structures remain intact.