Cartel Violence Playa del Carmen
On a Saturday evening, there was a shooting in a nightclub in Playa del Carmen where an American citizen was shot 7 times and severely injured. Two suspects have been arrested by the police. This incident is similar to other recent incidents that have occurred in Playa del Carmen nightclubs. The shooting happened early in the evening in a popular bar area located in the downtown region.
A popular nightclub in downtown Playa del Carmen called Tequila Barrel was the site of a shooting that left a 38-year-old U.S. citizen in serious condition. Reportedly, two armed suspects entered the nightclub and specifically targeted the victim, who was shot seven times. The incident is under investigation and two suspects are in custody.
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The shooting occurred at a nightclub located in the central tourist area of Playa del Carmen. The police have reported that the attackers targeted a specific victim upon entering the venue without much resistance. Kevin Osvaldo Vazquez Diaz, a 38-year-old US citizen from Texas, has been identified as the victim according to media reports.
The victim was shot seven times in different parts of their body including the shoulder, hand, head, and abdomen. Emergency services were called to the scene, and the victim, who sustained severe injuries, was rushed to Hospital General. According to doctors, the victim’s condition is still critical.
Two suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the shooting. The main suspect is thought to have shot the victim, while a second suspect played a supporting role. After the incident, both attackers fled and took shelter in the nearby Mayte Hotel to evade law enforcement personnel. However, the police soon found and arrested them, and also seized the weapon used in the shooting.
The state’s Attorney General initiated an investigation into a horrific case, and the National Guard and Army were deployed to secure the area.
The authorities are investigating a shooting and have taken into custody some important witnesses related to the incident. At least one bartender and the owner of Tequila Barrel have been detained for questioning, but they are not considered suspects. This is a standard step taken during investigations.
There have been issues with arms and drug trafficking in bars and nightclubs located in Playa del Carmen, which have made headlines lately. Due to this, two well-known establishments downtown were recently closed off by police officers after discovering concealed weapons within their premises. The incidents involving drug cartel members have created uncertainties about the safety of partying in the famous resort of the Mexican Caribbean.
Even though the daytime is generally safer than nighttime, criminal activity is more likely to occur when there are drugs, alcohol, and partygoers involved. It’s surprising that Saturday’s incident happened during the daytime, because law enforcement might have been able to catch the attackers sooner. The detailed Playa del Carmen safety guide has all the info, tips and details you need.
The shooting that took place on a Saturday near Fifth Avenue, which is a popular shopping street in Playa del Carmen known for its museums, shops, and restaurants. It is considered as one of the main tourist attractions in the area.
The authorities will increase their focus on bars and nightclubs due to the recent incidents, as they seem to be targeted by organized crime groups. If you are visiting the party town for its lively nightlife, please behave responsibly and avoid illegal substances.
Drug Cartel related crimes have been on the rise in Cancun and riviera Maya.
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Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department issued a travel alert advising travelers to be more cautious, especially after dark, in Mexico’s Caribbean beach destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. These areas have experienced drug gang violence in the past and there have been recent incidents of violence along the Caribbean coast, which is a vital part of Mexico‘s tourism industry.
Two Canadians were reportedly killed in Playa del Carmen in 2022 due to outstanding debts between international drug and weapons trafficking groups. Additionally, in 2021, a California travel blogger born in India and a German tourist were killed further south in Tulum, presumably caught in a gunfight between rival drug dealers.
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