The Mexican government is taking action to address concerns of drug-related violence during the peak summer tourism season. As such, the government is deploying additional National Guard personnel to the picturesque vacation city of Cancun. The urgency for increased security became apparent following four fatalities in the city’s hotel zone over the Easter weekend.
According to National Guard Sergeant Octavio del Angel Madrigal, since the operation commenced approximately 19 months ago, there has been a noticeable decline in drug sales within the vicinity of Gaviota Azul, one of Cancun’s most renowned beaches. He expresses, “We have observed a decrease in the number of individuals actively engaged in the illicit trade of substances such as cocaine, marijuana, and crack.”
Moreover, the National Guard is actively working to curtail excessive alcohol consumption among beachgoers while simultaneously cracking down on drug peddlers operating in tourist areas. Madrigal emphasizes that the implementation of these measures is crucial. Both foreign tourists and local residents have lost their lives due to drowning incidents often influenced by excessive alcohol consumption.
Private Uriel Bamaca Ordoez, responsible for Tenue, highlights the value of having search-and-rescue dogs present in deterring drug traffickers. “The acute sense of smell possessed by dogs undoubtedly leaves an impact on individuals involved in illicit activities,” he affirms.
The Quintana Roo state tourism agency reports that over 7 million visitors visited the Cancun region between January and April. These numbers are expected to increase further. Cozumel and Mahahual have experienced a surge in passenger arrivals, rising from 1.6 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in the first quarter of 2023. This revival in the tourism sector signifies a strong recovery from the setback caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
