Mexico: Shootout on Puerto Morelos beach near tourist hotels leave two dead

Yes, you read the title correctly. There was a targeted killing which occurred at the Bahía Petempich beach area between the Hyatt Ziva and Azul Beach hotels in Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Assailants, according to the FGE (Attorney General of the State of Quintana Roo), numbering approximately 15, attacked and killed two individuals, allegedly drug dealers. At least one tourist suffered a minor injury having been struck by one of the assailants.

The FGE explained in their evening press release how on the morning of 04 November at approximately 1130 hours, 4-5 individuals arrived on the beach and set up shop to sell drugs to the tourist trade along the beach area. After setting up shop, two of the group remained to conduct “business.” At approximately 1410 hours, a group of 15 armed individuals entered the area and went directly to two individuals. One of the two ran into a nearby hotel and died within, the other on the beach.

The hotels are located along the tourist area of Mexico known as the Mayan Riviera, approximately 30 kms from Cancun proper (see map to left). Their remains much confusion as to how the assailants arrived and departed at the hotel, with the state Prosecutor’s office reportedly denying that the assailants departed via boat.

Even when taking the most basic precautions, travelers can find themselves in the wrong spot at the wrong time and in the midst of criminal activities.

Violence associated with the drug trade is not unusual in the Cancun/Riviera Maya area. For example on 20 October 2021 - five foreigners were shot, two of which died, in a shoot out which occurred along “Calle Centauro Sur” in Tulum. It was determined rival drug dealers where firing at each other nearby and those in the La Malquerida restaurant were caught in the crossfire.

FGE statement re the killings on the Puerto Morelos beach: