Cancun, Q.R. — A group of Cancun Uber drivers blocked Nichupté Avenue outside the Criminal Court Saturday. The group were demanding the release of one of their drivers who was arrested in the Cancun Hotel Zone.
The driver, identified as José Elías “N”, was arrested after being found in possession of narcotics during a stop. Family members say the drugs reportedly found in his vehicle were planted by police.
The group arrived outside the building around 11:00 a.m. demanding the release of the 32 year old driver hours before his trial was set to begin. The protesters accused police officers of planting drugs on their colleague during the arrest, which allegedly occurred for speeding.
The group of Uber drivers also claim that for several weeks they have been victims of constant harassment and abuse by police saying that police harassment has not ended with the appointment of the new Citizen Security Secretariat head, but has actually increased.
The Uber drivers demanded justice and warned of a systematic practice of fabricating crimes to give the appearance of effectiveness. “Who checks the police when they carry drugs? Who stops them when they abuse their uniform?” one protester asked. “It’s a disgrace that instead of protecting citizens police persecute and criminalize them.”
“You can’t trust a system that detains innocent people while covering up real criminals,” said another Uber driver during the Saturday protest.
According to witnesses, José Elías “N” was traveling with passengers when he was intercepted on Uxmal Avenue by authorities as part of Operation Blindaje Cancun.
They claimed that since police did not find anything illegal, the officers planted narcotics to justify his arrest, falsely accusing him of drug dealing.
“We will not remain silent. Today it was him, tomorrow it could be anyone,” said Laura “M”, the wife of José Elías “N”.
