Tulum Crime Crackdown: 55 Arrested in Major Organized Crime Sweep

State and federal forces have struck a significant blow to organized crime in Tulum. The Quintana Roo prosecutor, Raciel López Salazar, announced the arrest of 55 members of a criminal organization causing unrest in the area. The arrested individuals include leaders, enforcers, assassins, and drug dealers, marking a significant step in the fight against insecurity in the popular tourist destination.

The latest arrest occurred on March 3, when the State Attorney General’s Investigation Police detained two men, Luis Fernando, also known as “El Choco,” aged 20, and Miguel Ángel, known as “Light Feather,” aged 38, on the Cancún-Tulum highway. Both men were apprehended in Villa Tulum with ecstasy, crystal meth, and marijuana in their possession.

Investigations revealed that “El Choco” was involved in drug dealing in irregular neighborhoods and invasions of Tulum. Additionally, he was known to physically punish drug dealers who disobeyed orders within the criminal organization. Following their arrest, they were presented before a control judge, who ordered preventative detention as their judicial process continues.

Decisive Actions Taken in Playa del Carmen

The crackdown on organized crime also extended to Playa del Carmen. A joint operation between the State Attorney General’s Office, the Army, the Navy, the National Guard, the State Police, and the Municipal Police of Solidaridad resulted in the arrest of Carlos Eliseo, Gerardo, and Alexander.

The three suspects were apprehended in the irregular areas of San Judas Tadeo, Alpha, and Omega with two handguns, a .223 caliber rifle, and two motorcycles in their possession. Investigations suggest that these individuals were part of a criminal cell involved in drug dealing and extortion in these neighborhoods. The control judge linked them to the process and imposed a two-year preventative prison sentence.

In the same area of Playa del Carmen, a man known as Gonzalo, or “El Sansores,” aged 42, was arrested on March 5. He is believed to be the leader of a criminal organization responsible for drug distribution and extortion in the area. During his arrest, authorities seized a .380 caliber weapon, methamphetamine, marijuana, and a bulletproof vest.

Investigations connect him directly to the murder of a food vendor found dead on February 11 in the Ejido neighborhood in Solidaridad. The victim, who was shot in the head and found tied up in the back of his vehicle, reportedly had drugs in his store and failed to report his activities to “Sansores,” which may have led to his murder. Following his arrest, the alleged criminal leader was brought before the control judge, who ordered justifiable preventative detention.