3 arrested in Tulum for 9 homicides, drug trafficking

Tulum, Mexico — Authorities in Tulum have arrested three individuals allegedly connected to nine recent homicides in the municipality. The arrests were carried out in two separate operations by the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) and the Tulum Secretariat of Public Security and Citizen Protection.

Suspects Part of Violent Criminal Group

The detainees—identified as Antony Azael “N,” alias “88”; José Francisco “N,” alias “Montana” or “Chofer”; and Ángel Gabriel “N”—are believed to belong to a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking and violent activities. Preliminary investigations link them to nine documented cases of aggravated homicide.

First Arrest: Flagrant Drug Possession

Antony Azael “N” and José Francisco “N” were apprehended in the “Nasim” neighborhood after officers observed one suspect dropping small bags of suspected narcotics while retrieving a cigarette box. A search revealed:

• Transparent bags containing green, dry vegetation consistent with marijuana.
• Bags with a solid, transparent substance resembling crystal meth.
• Black pills resembling ecstasy (“tachas”).
• A 9mm firearm with a loaded magazine.

Second Arrest: Additional Narcotics Seizure

Ángel Gabriel “N” was detained during a routine inspection on Acuario Street. Authorities confiscated:

• Bags of suspected marijuana.
• Black pills resembling ecstasy.
• A synthetic, transparent substance believed to be cocaine.

All three suspects were handed over to prosecutors on drug trafficking charges. Their legal status will be determined within the constitutional timeframe.

Broader Crackdown on Crime

The arrests coincide with heightened law enforcement efforts in Quintana Roo. In a weekly security briefing, FGE head Raciel López Salazar reported:

• 48 arrest warrants executed in the past week, a 31% increase from the previous week.
• 43 warrants tied to high-impact crimes, including 11 for homicide and six for rape.
• 60 suspects formally charged, with 22 cases involving drug-related offenses.

The operations underscore ongoing challenges in Tulum, where authorities are combating both organized crime and drug-related violence.