Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico – A tense situation unfolded at the popular Riu Costa Mujeres hotel near Cancún on Thursday as gunfire broke out during an undercover police operation according to Fox News. Agents from the Investigative Police were conducting an operation aimed at dismantling a gang involved in drug dealing when a confrontation occurred, the State Attorney General’s Office of Quintana Roo reported.
The incident took place within the restroom area of the hotel’s pool, a location frequented by guests. According to the Attorney General’s Office, the undercover officers were attacked by two armed individuals believed to be members of the targeted drug gang. In response to the attack, law enforcement agents returned fire.
The confrontation resulted in the death of one of the alleged attackers at the scene. The second armed individual was apprehended by the police. The State Attorney General’s Office confirmed these details in their official report, highlighting the swift action taken by the officers to repel the attack.
Authorities stated that the criminal gang had been known to frequent the Riu Costa Mujeres hotel. Their activities allegedly included offering drugs to guests and, alarmingly, threatening the hotel staff. The undercover operation was a direct response to these illicit activities and aimed to apprehend the individuals involved in this criminal cell.
Following the exchange of gunfire, law enforcement officers conducted a thorough search operation within the hotel premises and the surrounding area. This operation was initiated to locate any other potential members of the drug dealing gang. However, the exact number of individuals believed to be part of this criminal group has not yet been disclosed by the authorities.
During the confrontation, police officers seized two firearms from the suspects. Of particular concern is the revelation that one of these weapons was designated for the exclusive use of the Mexican Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Attorney General’s Office indicated that the shooting incident began after the alleged criminals resisted arrest and launched an armed attack upon being discovered by the authorities.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Riu Costa Mujeres hotel issued a statement through Fox News Digital. While not directly confirming if the incident occurred within their specific establishment, the hotel acknowledged the prosecutor’s office’s official statement and deferred to their information. The hotel described the situation as “isolated” and stated that it was “solved.” They further noted that the only fatality was a suspected criminal involved in the altercation.
As of Friday morning, the Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office has not released the identities of the individuals involved in the shooting or provided further detailed information about the ongoing investigation. The investigation is expected to shed more light on the extent of the drug dealing operation and the identities of all those involved.
This incident comes at a time when tourist destinations in the region are under scrutiny regarding safety and security. While authorities have emphasized that this was an isolated incident resulting from a targeted police operation, the news of gunfire within a popular resort area frequented by tourists, including Americans, may raise concerns among travelers.
The investigation into the shooting at the Riu Costa Mujeres hotel is ongoing, and further updates from the Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office are anticipated as authorities work to fully dismantle the criminal drug ring and ensure the safety and security of the popular tourist destination.
Is Cancun Safe For Travelers?
Authorities have indicated that no tourists were harmed during the confrontation, and the situation was quickly contained. It is important to note that millions of tourists visit Cancún and the surrounding areas each year without incident, drawn to its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and numerous attractions. While this event may cause understandable apprehension, it does not necessarily reflect the overall safety of the destination for the vast majority of visitors. Travelers are always advised to remain vigilant, be aware of their surroundings, and follow local safety guidelines, but this specific incident seems to be related to ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address criminal activity in the region, rather than a widespread threat to tourists.
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