Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — Municipal authorities carried out a raid on Animalandia Maya in Playa del Carmen Friday. During the operation, at least three people were reported arrested including employees and the owner.
Authorities deployed the operation at Animalandia Maya on Fifth Avenue as part of an investigation related to irregularities. Personnel from the State Attorney General (FGE), Investigative Police and Municipal officers were involved along with state environmental officials.
Those reported in custody include several employees and the long-time owner.
Police began to arrive Friday morning around 11:00 a.m. on Fifth Avenue and 14th Street in the city center.
Mayor Estefanía Mercado referred to it as an “unprecedented operation” due to the illegal display of animals
“Family of Playa del Carmen, right now we are doing something that no previous municipal government had dared to do. We are carrying out a real time operation in coordination with the State Attorney General’s Office, federal forces, state authorities, and our Municipal Police,” Mercado said in a video posted to her social media.
She explained that a search warrant was being executed at a location on Fifth Avenue where animals are illegally exhibited.
“We are acting decisively to protect lives, ensure respect for the law, and restore order in our city. I will be providing you with complete transparency regarding the results of this action in the coming hours,” she added.
The business, which is aimed at tourist taking photos with wild animals, has a history with municipal officials. The business has been repeatedly flagged for alleged exploitation of exotic wildlife.
The area was cordoned off while arrests were made and the building confiscated.
Personnel from the Quintana Roo State Environmental Protection Agency and the municipal Environment Secretariat were on site to safeguard the animals inside.
Playa del Carmen Mayor Estefanía Mercado said that illegal actions would not be allowed without giving further details.
In August of 2022, the same place was shut down by authorities on drug stashing allegations. At the time, one person was arrested from inside the company who told police that he, among others, had a deal with the owner to sell their narcotics on site.
