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Playa Del Carmen Ranks Second In The State’s Crime Rankings
Cancun is one of the most dangerous cities in Quintana Roo according to the Mexican National Defense Secretary (SEDENA). The head of the organization listed Cancun along with two other cities.
The statements were made during a conference in Isla Mujeres, where a presentation was made breaking down the state’s crime statistics. The figures were analyzed over the course of three and a half years, from December 2018 until March 2022.
For tourists unaware of the surge in crime being experienced in the region, the numbers may appear worrying. Cancun’s first-place position is founded on 5661 cases of recorded violence in that time period. This includes homicides and other forms of violence.
Playa Del Carmen, which was second on the list, recorded just over two thousand violent incidents in the same time period. Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular spots in the state after Cancun.
In third place was Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo, which recorded just over one thousand violent incidents over the same period.
When the entire region’s figures are combined, the three major cities make up 80% of the violent crime. In total, over ten thousand violent acts have been recorded in Quintana Roo, with 9 thousand three hundred recorded in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Chetumal.
Although the statistics may appear frightening, the overwhelming majority of tourists to Quintana Roo shouldn’t be worried. Only a small portion of these numbers have directly impacted visitors, in particular, the homicides which are almost exclusively organized crime-related, and see opposing gang members attacking one another.
This year alone has seen over 100 murders in Quintana Roo, with most of them centered around Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The stats have left Cancun on a list highlighting the world’s most dangerous cities, while simultaneously at the top of others naming it one of the most sought-after destinations on the planet.
Unfortunately, Cancun’s success is also its downfall in this regard. The uptick in violence is directly related to Cancun’s rise in popularity. Multiple criminal organizations view the city as extremely valuable territory. This is mainly due to tourists’ tendencies to seek out drugs when on vacation to the Mexican Caribbean. As more and more tourists continue to head to Cancun, more money can be made in the drug trade, increasing the value of the city to these groups.
It’s for this reason that tourists still remind extremely safe when visiting Cancun, and those who are enjoying their trip responsibly are even more so. Tourists place themselves in a dangerous situation by seeking out drugs, something the government has been trying to warn visitors of.
A recent campaign saw posters and other informative material placed in the Cancun airport and other tourist areas, warning visitors of the consequences of being found with drugs while on their trip. Upon arrival at Quintana Roo hotels, guests are also being made to sign a form acknowledging they understand the risks of breaking the local drug laws.
A study organized before this campaign suggested that many visitors believed many drugs were legal in Mexico and that it was a free-for-all when it came to recreational substances. The campaign set out to remove this understanding, and hopefully pave the way for a safer experience for all.
Those hoping to visit Cancun in the near future should make themselves fully aware of the laws regarding drugs, and ensure they are enjoying their trip well within the boundaries of the law. The problems being experienced by Quintana Roo are exacerbated by tourists, and run the risk of ruining a wonderful destination for the majority of law-abiding tourists.
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