Press "Enter" to skip to content

Authorities handcuff 26 in criminal activity purge in central Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — A major security operation in the tourist area of Playa del Carmen ended with the arrest of 26 people. The mega takedown happened Sunday with the arrests of people alleged responsible for high-impact crimes such as drug trafficking and extortion.

On September 12, elements from the National Defense Secretariat (SEDENA), the National Intelligence Center, the National Guard, the Navy, the State Attorney General’s Office and the Quintana Roo Police carried out an operation in several central areas of Playa del Carmen that included Fifth Avenue and surrounding beach areas.

When they were done, at least 26 people were handcuffed. On Monday afternoon, the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) announced that most of those detained Sunday were drug traffickers who were known for pushing drugs on tourists.

In their press statement, the FGE also noted that one of those caught Sunday has an outstanding arrested warrant for two murders.

The agencies involved in the criminal purge and detainment of the 26 were recognized by the Caribbean Business Council who applauded the efforts of those involved “against drug dealing and extortion”.

On Sunday, the organized group, Mesa de Coordinación para la Paz en Quintana Roo, made the 26 arrests. The Fiscalía General del Estado (FGE) pointed out that the group is not made up of municipal police elements, but instead, consists of elements from SEDENA, the Centro Nacional de Inteligencia, Guardia Nacional, Marina Armada, Fiscalía General del Estado and the Policía Quintana Roo.

The business council pointed out that “these types of criminals have deteriorated the tranquility of the Municipality of Solidaridad,” and have requested authorities continue with these types of takedowns.