Tulum Cartel Violence - Crimes and Shottings Getting Out of Control

Cartel Violence Getting Out of Control in Tulum Resort Area Mexico

Tourism in the Tulum resort area’s Playa del Carmen has surged, but at the same time, violence related to cartels has also increased. Local authorities reported that on Saturday, four city employees were discovered killed by gunshots and were put in a car, and their bodies were displaying signs of torture. 

Local traffic police officers found a gruesome scene in a middle-class neighborhood of the city. The authorities in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo are currently investigating the murders, but no additional information has been provided regarding the motive or suspects.

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The men were from the municipal inspection office of Playa del Carmen. Their responsibilities include enforcing laws regarding drug use or sales, underage attendance, and permits for restaurants, bars, and other commercial establishments.

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Although Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist destination for visitors from the U.S. and Canada, it has a concerning issue with drug trafficking. The area has become attractive to international drug traffickers, resulting in violent gunfights. Authorities have identified four big drug cartels operating in the Cancun region, including the Sinaloa Cartel, the New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG), the Gulf Cartel, and a smaller organization called Grupo Regional, which is made up of former Zetas cartel members and local street gangs.

Two Canadian tourists were fatally shot at a highly-rated hotel located in Playa del Carmen in 2022, which caused great concern among other tourists and exposed the drug-related violence prevalent in that area.

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How Dangerous Is Tulum for Visitors Tourists Right Now?

In an effort to prevent future violent incidents, Mexican officials stationed hundreds of National Guard members to patrol the beach. This occurred during the same year that Mexico’s President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, initiated a campaign to deter tourists from using drugs on the beaches of Quintana Roo.

Before checking in, all visitors to Quintana Roo, home to Tulum and Cancun, must sign a warning that reads “Drug dealers at beaches and nightclubs will get you into trouble. They are not your friends. They’re criminals. Don’t put yourself at risk.” This is a precautionary message to avoid any risks.

Foreign tourists with more spending power are often the target market for drug dealers in popular destinations such as Tulum, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen.

The occurrence of violent activities linked to cartels is causing chaos in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Despite being a popular vacation destination, the city has become a hub for drug distribution, and four city employees were recently found dead with signs of torture.

Authorities are investigating the murder of two municipal inspection office workers in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The police officers in a middle-class district found their bodies. The motive and potential suspects are currently unknown. The municipal inspection office enforces various regulations related to drug sales or use, minors, and business licenses in the city.

Playa del Carmen has become a popular tourist destination for those traveling from the United States and Canada to Mexico. However, it is also known for being a major drug distribution center where drug lords from around the world operate and engage in frequent shootouts to settle disputes.

According to a report by NewsNation, authorities have identified several cartels operating in the larger Cancun area, including the Gulf Cartel, the New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG), the Sinaloa Cartel, and a smaller organization called Grupo Regional which consists of former members of the Zetas cartel and local street gangs.

Reuters reports that the drug-related violence in Playa del Carmen gained attention and caused panic among visitors after two Canadians were shot and killed at a popular hotel in 2022.

The Mexican government sent hundreds of National Guard troops to patrol the beach in an attempt to prevent future violent attacks. Additionally, President López Obrador started an anti-drug initiative that same year to address drug use by foreign visitors to Quintana Roo’s beaches. A warning posted in every hotel in the state, including Tulum and Cancun, cautions visitors not to associate with drug dealers in clubs and on beaches. These individuals are criminals who will lead them into trouble.

Before in, every guest is required to sign. Popular tourist destinations such as Tulum, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen are known for catering to the drug trade aimed at wealthy foreign visitors. A recent article by Detour reveals that the US has issued Mexico the strictest “do not travel” warning in light of rising concerns of crime and kidnapping. Therefore, spring breakers should be careful.

The findings show that cartel activity has been found in several resorts that were previously considered safe. Evie Blanco, a journalist with almost ten years of experience, was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Queens, New York. She has extensive knowledge of hip-hop music and culture and stays up-to-date with any related news or developments. She enjoys writing about a variety of topics, including pop culture, foreign travel, new restaurants, and current events.