Six Suspects Arrested in Playa del Carmen Over Vehicle Arson Attacks

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Authorities arrested six suspects, including a presumed criminal leader, during a Wednesday morning operation in the In House neighborhood of Playa del Carmen. The arrests are part of an investigation into recent vehicle arson attacks across multiple municipalities in Quintana Roo.

The State Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the operation, stating preliminary information links the suspects to car fires in Cozumel, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. These incidents, which occurred on February 22, caused public alarm and prompted a large-scale security mobilization.

Following their capture, all six suspects were handed over to prosecutors, who will determine their legal status in coming hours. Among those detained are three people from Guadalajara, Jalisco; a Colombian national; a man from Chiapas; and another from Tabasco.

Initial investigation lines suggest this group may be connected to disturbances following the killing of “El Mencho,” identified as a leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Authorities believe this event may have triggered vandalism acts across the country, including the vehicle arsons in Quintana Roo municipalities.

Officials reported the operation proceeded without gunfire and that various pieces of evidence were seized during the intervention. These will be incorporated into ongoing investigation files.

Authorities have not ruled out possible connections between the detainees and other criminal cells operating in the region.

This operation follows actions taken two days earlier in Tulum, where the State Prosecutor’s Office reported separate arrests of four men allegedly connected to the February 22 arson attacks. That same day also saw attacks on commercial establishments and vehicles.

In the Invasión 2 de Octubre neighborhood, Investigation Police agents, coordinating with Mexican Army personnel and Tulum Municipal Police, arrested Carlos “N” and Henry Geovany “N.” Authorities seized suspected marijuana doses, a handgun, and bottles containing liquid resembling gasoline from the suspects.

During that intervention, Carlos “N” sustained a leg injury and was transported to a hospital, where he was reported to be out of danger.

In another deployment in the La Veleta neighborhood, José Ángel “N” and Arturo Emiliano “N” were detained. Authorities confiscated backpacks containing substances resembling marijuana and crystal meth, along with containers of flammable liquid.

Investigations continue to establish the detainees’ involvement in these incidents and their possible connection to other criminal events recorded in the state.