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Police remove pirate vendors from Cozumel streets

Cozumel, Q.R. — The Police of Quintana Roo say they have arrested commissioners of tourist services for lack of permits and for accusations of tourist abuse.

During an operation in the main tourist areas of the island, security elements carried out a sweep of pirate vendors who were unable to prove work authorization or produce an operating license.

The director of Public Security, Guido Renán Rosas López, said that the same merchants have been denounced for bad practices, which leaves a negative image of the destination with the tourists who arrive daily on cruise ships.

He explained that according to the municipal tourism and inspection department, established commerce has been harmed by these “pirates” that offer services such as the rental of vehicles or the sale of products or services outside their competences. He says for this reason they will intensify their sweep inspections to maintain control and security.

Guido Renán Rosas López said “We had an operation on Rafael E. Melgar Avenue and Puerta Maya for complaints received by merchants and the Tourism Directorate of abuses and disrespect to tourists by service providers. We had eight detainees at Puerta Maya and seven along Melgar, another five at Rosado Salas. In total 19 detainees. It is an administrative infraction,” said the official.

He added that it is not the first time that these arrests have occurred in these same areas, adding that the detainees were transferred to the Municipal Police facilities.