Three Cubans were arrested on Sunday in the parking lot of the Mercado 28 de Cancún, one of the most iconic shopping areas in the tourist center of Quintana Roo, after agents from the Secretary of Citizen Security caught them in the act of exchanging illegal substances.
The operation took place on Xel-Há Avenue, in Supermanzana 28 of the Benito Juárez municipality, during preventive and surveillance patrols, according to an official statement from the Quintana Roo Secretary of Citizen Security.
How did the arrest happen?
The police observed three individuals exchanging small bags of green herb and decided to intervene.
According to the official report, "the police observed an apparent exchange of small bags with green herb resembling marijuana among the three males," which led them to conduct a preventive inspection.
As a result, the agents seized various doses of suspected marijuana and crystal, along with other items, and proceeded to arrest the three individuals.
The arrested individuals were identified as Yamir Jesús «N», Luis David «N», and Carlos Alejandro «N», who stated they are of Cuban nationality.
The breakdown of what was insured was as follows:
- Yamir Jesús «N»: 39 bags with suspected marijuana, 31 with suspected crystal, and a cell phone.
- Luis David «N»: 37 bags with alleged marijuana and 26 with alleged crystal.
- Carlos Alejandro «N»: three bags with presumed marijuana, three with presumed crystal, and three eco-friendly fabric bags of different colors.
In total, the authorities seized 79 bags of green herb and 60 bags containing crystalline fragments, as well as a mobile phone and three eco-friendly fabric bags.
The three detainees, along with the secured evidence, were placed at the disposal of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for the Combat of Drug Trafficking, an authority that will determine their legal status as the investigations progress regarding their alleged involvement in health-related crimes.
Until the publication of this article, the immigration status of the three Cubans at the time of their arrest has not been disclosed.
A recurring pattern in Quintana Roo
This episode is not an isolated case. In recent weeks, several similar operations have been reported in Mexico involving Cuban citizens.
On June 26, seven Cubans were arrested on the island of Holbox with a shipment that included marijuana, cocaine, crack, and ecstasy.
Around the same time, another four Cubans were charged in Cancun for distributing marijuana through social media.
At the end of July, a Cuban was arrested in Tabasco with doses of marijuana, crystal meth, and crack labeled with the phrase "Silver or Lead."
The pattern extends beyond street-level drug dealing.
In January 2026, authorities arrested Remigio Valdez Lao, known as "El Milo," in Cancun. He is alleged to be the financial mastermind of a Cuban-American cell linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, with operations in Cuba, Mexico, Spain, and South Florida.
Human rights organizations and specialized media warn that, unfortunately, many Cuban migrants who have become stranded in Mexico during their unsuccessful journey to the U.S. have ended up being recruited by criminal groups.
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