Tulum Crime Drops 12% as Key Gang Leaders Arrested

Tulum, Mexico — The security strategy implemented in Tulum is yielding positive results, according to Quintana Roo Attorney General Raciel López Salazar. During a press conference on Monday, López Salazar reported a 12% reduction in criminal incidents in the tourist destination during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Decline in High-Impact Crimes

From January to June, authorities recorded 990 crimes in Tulum, accounting for just 3.6% of the total crimes reported in Quintana Roo. Notably, high-impact crimes saw significant declines: robberies decreased by 38%, extortion dropped by 43%, and intentional homicides fell by 57%, from 54 cases in 2024 to 23 so far this year.

"The homicides recorded in this municipality do not pose a risk to local residents or visitors. These incidents stem from disputes between two criminal groups, which we are combating with the full force of the state," López Salazar emphasized.

Coordination with Municipal Security Chief

The attorney general acknowledged the collaboration with Edgar Aguilar Rico, Tulum’s newly appointed municipal public security secretary, who took office on July 2 under Mayor Diego Castañón. López Salazar praised Aguilar Rico’s extensive experience in security institutions and his commitment to cooperation.

"We are already working in coordination with all security forces in Tulum. His first action was the arrest of four individuals in the informal settlement of Invasión 12 de Octubre, found in possession of narcotics. They are members of a group responsible for generating violence in the coastal area," López Salazar explained.

Another significant arrest occurred in the informal settlement of Invasión Nasim, where municipal police detained three individuals linked to a criminal organization, including Antonio, alias "El 88," a suspected hitman connected to at least nine homicides in the city.

Key Arrests in 2025

So far this year, authorities have detained 51 members of criminal groups in Tulum, including leaders, hitmen, drug dealers, extortionists, and human traffickers. Among the most notable arrests were three high-priority targets captured on June 4: José Benjamín, alias "El Cuervo"; Fernando, alias "El Gavilán," a 28-year-old alleged hitman leader; and Carlos Manuel, a suspected hitman.

"This group was responsible for a significant portion of the violence in Tulum. Their arrest is a crucial step toward restoring peace in the municipality," López Salazar stated.

Continued Commitment to Security

The attorney general commended Governor Mara Lezama for her active participation in security meetings and reiterated that the fight against crime in Tulum is part of the National Security Strategy. He emphasized ongoing coordination among federal, state, and municipal authorities.

López Salazar also urged the public and media to allow the new municipal security secretary to demonstrate his capabilities: "We must wait for the results. I believe there are excellent officers in this department, and the most important thing is that we remain united in pursuing peace and well-being for Tulum."