Comment on this story
comment
Mexican government officials have been trying to reassure tourists in the popular resort of Cancún that they are safe after four bodies were found in the region’s Hotel Zone this week.
Police responded to an emergency call from an area near the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún, an all-inclusive beachfront hotel, Monday morning. According to the Quintana Roo Attorney General’s Office, investigators initially found three bodies but later discovered a fourth in some bushes.
The four — all Mexican nationals — “were executed on the spot,” according to a person close to the investigation. The Quintana Roo Peace and Security Building Coordination Group, a coalition of military and law enforcement officials, said in a statement Tuesday that the victims are believed to be selling and distributing drugs.
Is it safe to travel in Mexico?
The person close to the inquiry said five suspects are in custody, including two caught on surveillance camera carrying out executions. The killings were part of an internal dispute over drug trafficking between members of the Sinaloa cartel, the person said. After the murders prosecutors offered a reward of 1 million pesos (about US$55,000) for the whereabouts of Héctor Elías Flores Aceves, a leader known as “El 15”.
The coordination group said that while the fatalities occurred in the hotel zone, the incident posed no risk to visitors, hotel workers or businesses because it took place in the undergrowth.
Cartel RX: From Mexican labs to US streets, a deadly drug pipeline
Monday’s ordeal during busy preparations for Easter was the latest blow to Mexico’s tourism reputation. Last week, a US tourist was shot in the leg in Puerto Morelos, south of Cancún, the Associated Press reported.
A dramatic scene unfolded in Cancún in late 2021 when tourists fled the beach for safety before a shootout that state officials said took place between rival cartels. Two people linked to the gangs were killed, state officials said, and a hotel guest was injured.
The US embassy and consulates in Mexico issued a spring break travel advisory in mid-March, warning travelers to avoid drugs and unregulated alcohol and to watch out for criminal activity.
“Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations,” the warning said. “Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illegal activity is taking place and exit potentially dangerous situations immediately.”
However, the State Department is not warning against travel to Quintana Roo, only urging tourists to “exercise increased caution”.
State law enforcement said operations are still underway at beaches, nightclubs and other tourist attractions to ensure security in the week leading up to Easter.
The Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres Hotels Association issued a statement praising the response to the killings.
“Although our main priority is the safety of our visitors, workers and all Mexican citizens, their safety was never compromised during this unfortunate incident,” the association said. “Together with our local and national government officials, we can assure our guests of physical well-being and continued enjoyment of their vacation.”