Cancun, Mexico – Six members of a drug gang in the Mexican tourist hotspot of Cancun were apprehended Monday for their alleged involvement in the killing and dismembering of five individuals, along with burying three others in a shallow grave, according to prosecutors. The grizzly murders were first discovered on January 29 when police found five dismembered bodies inside a motorcycle taxi.
The suspects, who are part of a notorious crime ring that is reportedly involved in drug sales, extortion, vehicle thefts, and homicide in the area, were identified and taken into custody by Quintana Roo police. The victims have not been identified.
Prior to the arrest, police conducted an investigation that led to the apprehension of the group and the seizure of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, and crack, as well as two firearms exclusively used in the Mexican military. Additionally, the motorcycle taxis used to transport the mutilated bodies were confiscated, with one of the bikes reported stolen back on January 11.
Further investigation revealed that the arrested men were also part of a larger drug operation in Cancun, involving the use of a fake call center targeting tourists. Annually, the resort city attracts a significant number of tourists and sees a high influx of foreign spending. However, the operation preyed on tourists, delivering drugs and using motorcycle taxis and minors as lookouts.
In addition to the drug bust, another suspect was arrested for alleged involvement in buying and selling drugs on social media with home delivery included. This arrest was part of a larger effort by Quintana Roo police to combat the rampant violent crime and drug sales in Cancun, despite its status as a booming tourist destination.
Despite ongoing violent crime and drug-related issues in Cancun, it remains a popular destination for tourists. However, the US State Department issued a travel warning to tourists visiting Mexico’s resort towns due to the increase in violent crime and drug-related incidents. Nonetheless, visitors seem undeterred, as Mexico’s tourism department revealed that foreigners spent almost $31 billion in the country last year, with about half of that spending concentrated in Cancun. This spending figure represents a 10% increase from 2022.
The recent arrests and drug operations in Cancun underscore the ongoing battle against drug-related crime and violence in the region, posing challenges for both law enforcement and the tourism industry.