According to ABC News, the Quintana Roo Attorney General’s office has launched a criminal investigation into the resulting February 9 incident. in the deaths of an American woman and a suspected drug dealer from Belize. Niko Honarbakhsh, 44, was later identified as the victim.
When he was shot, it turned out that the deceased man was carrying bags of “brown granulated powder” and “transparent bags of red and orange pills,” which indicated to the prosecutor’s office that he was likely a gang member and drug dealer.
According to a statement The prosecutor’s office dismissed local reports that tried to link the two and suggested they were in a relationship.
The death of Honarbakhsh, according to the prosecutor, was caused by a stray bullet. As part of the investigation, autopsies will be performed on both bodies.
Prosecutors have identified the suspects and are following leads. Authorities have not yet released the names of the suspects.
Before the popular spring break travel period in March, the US published “Do Not Travel” last year warnings for parts of Mexico, citing gang attacks and stating that American citizens have done so “became seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or counterfeit prescription pills.”
This unfortunate event has put a spotlight on the security situation in the popular holiday destination. As tourists flock to Tulum for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, news of violence in the area is disturbing.
Many visitors are now questioning the safety measures in place and reconsidering their travel plans. This shooting reminds us of the importance of prioritizing safety and security for both locals and tourists in popular tourist destinations like Tulum.
Authorities are expected to quickly address these concerns to reassure travelers and maintain the city’s reputation as a safe place for holidaymakers.
Previous shootings in Tulum and Cancun
Restaurant shots
In April 2021, a tragic incident occurred at a restaurant in Cancun when two tourists, including a travel blogger from California and a German citizen, were killed in a shootout. The restaurant, located in a popular tourist area, became the scene of violence when rival drug dealers exchanged gunfire.
The incident sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about the safety of visitors in Cancun. Authorities have launched an investigation into the shooting, with the aim of arresting those responsible and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Nightclub shooting
In August 2021, a shooting took place at a nightclub in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, a vibrant area known for its nightlife and entertainment. The incident resulted in several injuries, further highlighting the prevalence of violence in tourist-oriented areas of the city.
The shooting prompted authorities to increase surveillance and security measures at entertainment venues to ensure the safety of visitors. Furthermore, the incident underlined the need for continued efforts to tackle underlying problems such as organized crime and drug-related activities.
2022
In January 2022, Cancun experienced a series of shootings in different parts of the city, resulting in injuries and fatalities.
These incidents occurred sporadically and caused concern among residents and visitors.
The shootings were blamed on ongoing conflict between rival drug cartels battling for control of the region’s lucrative drug trafficking routes. In response, authorities have intensified their efforts to combat organized crime, conducting operations to arrest suspects and disrupt criminal activity.
