Holbox, Q.R. — UPDATED: After weeks of heightened security, authorities have arrested a suspected cartel leader from Isla Holbox. The arrest of a man identified as David “A” was made Thursday afternoon on the island.
March 19, 2026.
Reports say he is a member of the Sinaloa Cartel and island leader for drug dealing and extortion. His arrest was made during an operation between municipal, state and federal authorities.
David “A”, alias “El Amaya,” is the leader of a drug dealing and extortion ring operating the area of Holbox. According to preliminary information, the arrest of “El Amaya” was made as part of the increased security measures implemented to combat organized crime.
He is reported to be a Sinaloa Cartel plaza boss who runs a drug dealing and extortion network on the island of Holbox.
Earlier this month, authorities searched two island buildings in response to resident complaints of drug deal and extortion. At the time, they came up empty handed, however, island security was increased with a military presence.
After nearly three weeks of increased security, authorities made an arrest yesterday in relation to those complaints.
“El Amaya” has been identified as an operator for the Sinaloa Cartel, managing to extend his network of drug dealing and extorting to include island businesses.
UPDATE March 20, 2026: Local authorities have since reported on the arrest of David Jesús “N”, who they say “was arrested, suspected of involvement in drug-related offenses.
“The detainee is alleged to be one of the leaders of a drug dealing and extortion ring on Holbox Island. Members of the Citizen Security Secretariat’s Orion and Centurion Groups, in coordination with the Navy and the National Defense Secretariat, noticed a minor who reported that moments earlier, a man had offered him marijuana.
“Therefore, the officers approached the location provided and located the man in question. A search was conducted on Pargo Street between P. Kuka Street and Gonzalo Guerrero Street in the town of Holbox Island, in the municipality of Lázaro Cárdenas.
“The following items were seized: 11 small transparent plastic bags containing a green, dried herb with characteristics similar to marijuana and 13 live 9mm rounds. The case will be brought before the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Drug Trafficking.”
