In a shocking revelation, authorities in Cancún have rescued 22 children from Chiapas who were being exploited as child laborers. The minors, ranging in age from one month to 14 years old, were allegedly forced to sell pozol on the streets for up to 12 hours a day.
According to reports, officers from the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) and the National Guard (GN) conducted search warrants at four homes in Cancún, uncovering a disturbing tale of human trafficking. The minors, who were being paid only 100 pesos per day, were forced to transport pozol on heavy tricycles under the scorching sun.
The Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Crimes of Trafficking and Exploitation of Children and Adolescents conducted an extensive investigation before obtaining search warrants from a Control Judge. The authorities then managed to rescue 16 minors, nine girls and seven boys, as well as six children between one month and seven years old who were the children of the detained individuals.
Those arrested in connection with the case are Julio “N” and Antonio “N,” local men who allegedly lured the minors from Chiapas with promises of a better life in Cancún. According to initial investigations, the pair was responsible for transporting the children to San Juan Cancuc, Chiapas, where they were subjected to long hours of work.
The authorities found that the exploited minors were living in deplorable conditions and were being paid a fraction of what their labor was worth. The sale of pozol was reportedly generating between 1,500 to 2,000 pesos per day, while the children received only two meals.
As part of the rescue operation, Julio “N” and Antonio “N” were taken into custody and placed at the disposal of the Public Prosecutor’s Office for alleged involvement in human trafficking. The fate of the six detained children will be determined within the constitutionally established timeframe.
The rescue marks a significant victory for authorities in their fight against child labor exploitation.
Source: La Jornada
