Tulum Drug Bust: 2 Arrested with Guns, Cocaine, and Cash

Tulum, Mexico — Two men identified as Saúl “N” and Leonardo David “N” were arrested on the Tulum–Punta Allen highway following a joint operation between federal and state security forces. Authorities allege the individuals were involved in drug-related crimes and were considered instigators of violence in the area.

The arrest took place near the road connecting to the Tulum Archaeological Zone, where a preventive inspection was conducted as part of heightened surveillance measures in response to a rise in drug-related criminal activity.

Seized Items and Coordinated Operation

During the operation, authorities confiscated multiple substances and objects allegedly used in drug trafficking, including:

• 18 small ziploc bags containing dried vegetation resembling marijuana
• One large bag (approximately 28 x 27 cm) with the same substance
• 34 orange bags containing a white powder, suspected to be cocaine
• Eight blue bags with solid white fragments resembling crack cocaine
• Three handguns, three magazines, and 26 rounds of 9mm ammunition
• A digital gram scale
• Two cell phones
• Two 200-peso bills
• A navy-blue PIRMA-brand suitcase and a black-and-white backpack labeled “NICK SCLUB”

The operation was a coordinated effort involving the Secretary of Citizen Security, the Mexican Navy, the National Guard, the Secretary of National Defense, and the State Attorney General’s Office.

Legal Proceedings and Security Measures

The detainees, along with the seized items, were handed over to the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Drug-Related Crimes, which will determine their legal status in the coming hours.

This operation is part of broader efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the municipality and restore security, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas and zones with elevated crime rates.

Authorities continue to monitor the region amid ongoing security challenges.