January 30, 2024: Four killed in ordered hit for failed Costa Maya drug delivery
In the Mayan community of X-Hazil Sur, four men were killed in a shooting incident at their home. The attack was carried out by armed men who claimed to be from the prosecutor’s office. The victims, identified as Wendolin “H”, Abraham “H”, Jesús “N”, and a fourth unidentified man, were attacked while sitting on their patio. The incident, which occurred in the normally peaceful area of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, is believed to be connected to a drug shipment dispute involving the Caborca Cartel. Neighbors reported that at least two of the deceased were involved in illegal activities.
- December 13, 2023: Canadian citizen killed in the latest shooting inside the gym in Cancun – The Canadian individual who was fatally shot in a Cancun gym has been identified as 37-year-old Samy Tamouro, known to have an extensive criminal history. Tamouro was exercising in a private gym in Puerto Cancun on Wednesday morning when he was targeted. Reports indicate that a man entered the gym and fired at Tamouro, then quickly escaped on a motorcycle that was waiting outside. After being shot, Tamouro collapsed from the exercise equipment he was using and was left critically wounded inside the gym.
- October 16, 2023: Cancun Uber driver shot and stripped of the car in a robbery – In a recent incident on Sunday evening in Cancun’s SM 308, a man who identified himself as an Uber driver was discovered abandoned and injured, allegedly from a BB gun attack. The victim, Armando “N,” approximately 50 years old, recounted that he was traveling along Josefa Ortíz de Domínguez Street when he was intercepted, threatened, and shot by unknown assailants. The motive behind this attack remains unclear. It is uncertain whether it was a targeted assault against the victim due to his profession as an Uber driver or if the assailants were solely interested in stealing his vehicle.
- September 13: Hitmen kill Cozumel man after shooting him twice outside home – On Tuesday, a young man tragically lost his life in front of his residence, falling victim to two gunshot wounds. Local island law enforcement responded to the residence following reports from witnesses who dialed 911. Residents in the vicinity recounted a harrowing incident involving assailants who brazenly approached the house on José María Morelos Street during daylight hours. They unleashed a hail of gunfire, striking 25-year-old Erick “L” twice and abandoning him in a life-threatening condition. The assailants had arrived in a gray truck, which was subsequently sought by Cozumel police but could not be located.
- September 11: Cancun passenger killed in targeted car shooting – A shooting in Cancun resulted in the tragic death of one car passenger and left another injured. In the early hours of Sunday, Cancun police were called to SM 96 in response to gunfire aimed at a vehicle. According to the survivor, the incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. when unidentified individuals intercepted the car he was driving, opened fire, and then fled the scene. Tragically, 33-year-old Limberth “N,” a hotel waiter from Yucatan, lost his life, while 21-year-old José Alejandro “N” from Venezuela, who worked as a bar ticket seller, sustained injuries.
- September 7: Two Playa del Carmen taxi drivers jailed for shooting façade of home
- July 28: Cancun Hotel Zone – One person was killed in a premeditated shooting Tuesday at a hotel in Cancun’s hotel zone. The attorney general alleges that drugs played a role in the targeted attack.
Latest U.S. Travel Advisory for Cancun
Exercise increased caution due to crime in Quintana Roo state.
Be cautious as criminal activities and violence can happen anytime, anywhere, including tourist hotspots. Travelers should be constantly aware of their surroundings, steer clear of areas known for illegal activities, and leave any situation that feels unsafe.
Shootings among rival gangs, although not targeting tourists, have inadvertently harmed bystanders. Moreover, U.S. citizens have fallen victim to both non-violent and violent crimes in areas frequented by tourists and elsewhere.
U.S. government employees are not restricted from traveling in Quintana Roo state, but they are encouraged to be particularly alert after dark in central parts of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to stick to well-lit pedestrian routes and tourist areas.
Reasons To Visit Cancun Despite The Shootings
Cancun continues to draw visitors, and its allure extends beyond security concerns for several compelling reasons:
- Stunning Coastal Beauty: Cancun enjoys a well-deserved reputation for its pristine beaches, where soft, white sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters, forming a tropical paradise.
- Diverse Range of Activities: This vibrant city caters to a multitude of interests, offering everything from thrilling water sports and snorkeling to the exploration of ancient Mayan ruins and vibrant nightlife experiences.
- Gastronomic Delights: Cancun’s culinary landscape is a true delight, featuring a diverse array of traditional Mexican dishes and international flavors to satisfy a wide range of palates.
- Year-Round Sunshine: With warm and sunny weather throughout the year, Cancun stands as an ideal destination for those seeking respite from colder climates.
- Luxurious All-Inclusive Resorts: Known for its opulent all-inclusive resorts, Cancun guarantees a hassle-free and indulgent vacation experience for its guests.
- Rich Cultural Heritage: The region is steeped in Mayan culture and history, boasting nearby archaeological treasures like Chichen Itza and Tulum, a true paradise for history enthusiasts.
- Hospitality and Tourism Excellence: Cancun prides itself on its readiness to welcome visitors from around the globe, with a strong focus on delivering top-tier tourism and hospitality services.
- Scenic Natural Wonders: Beyond its captivating beaches, Cancun offers breathtaking natural beauty, including lush jungles, enchanting cenotes (natural sinkholes), and easy access to the nearby Riviera Maya.
- Shopping and Entertainment Hub: The city teems with numerous shopping centers, charming boutiques, and a vibrant array of entertainment venues, promising a lively and diverse experience for visitors day and night.