Mexico increases National Guard presence in Cancun to help combat drug-related violence

In light of recent conversations about safety in Mexico, the Mexican government is bolstering its efforts to ensure the well-being of tourists and citizens during the peak summer tourism season.

Travel Noire reports that the government is planning to increase the presence of National Guard personnel in Cancun, which is a popular vacation destination among tourists. The decision is a solution to help address worries of drug-related violence in the area, especially after an incident during Easter weekend that resulted in four fatalities in Cancun’s hotel zone.

National Guard Sergeant Octavio del Angel Madrigal stated that since the start of the operation nearly 19 months ago, there has been a major decline in drug sales near Gaviota Azul, a renowned beach in Cancun.

“We have observed a decrease in the number of individuals actively engaged in the illicit trade of substances such as cocaine, marijuana, and crack,” Madrigal said.

Crackdown efforts aren’t only limited to drugs. The National Guard is also working to curb the excessive consumption of alcohol by beachgoers. Madrigal underscores that these efforts are essential, as foreign tourists and locals have died as a result of drowning while heavily intoxicated.

Private Uriel Bamaca Ordoez, who is responsible for Tenue, also spoke to the use of search-and-rescue dogs in dissuading drug traffickers.

“The acute sense of smell possessed by dogs undoubtedly leaves an impact on individuals involved in illicit activities,” he said.

According to the Quintana Roo state tourism agency, 7 million tourists visited the Cancun region from January to April. Cozumel and Mahahual have seen an increase in visitors as well, with numbers rising from 1.6 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in the first quarter of 2023. The increase in tourism is further indication of the public’s desire to get back to traveling after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. You can reach Roshae via email at roshaehemmings@detourxp.com.