A suspected drug cartel attack sparks panic on the island just weeks before the holiday season, forcing authorities to impose a curfew and close the waterways.
HOLBOX, Quintana Roo; June 28, 2026 — A heavily armed group triggered panic among residents and tourists on this island after carrying out a direct attack on the shared operations base of the Centurion Group and the Mexican Navy (SEMAR). The attack began at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Saturday in the cove area, where hooded individuals opened fire on the official facilities, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire that forced residents to take cover before fleeing by boat from Punta Cocos. Preliminary reports suggest the attack was a suspected act of retaliation by drug traffickers in response to recent blows dealt to their criminal organization in the region. Unofficially, at least one person was seriously injured and transferred to Cancún for medical treatment.
Given the severity of the situation, authorities declared a curfew on the island and imposed a complete ban on maritime navigation between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM to prevent the attackers from escaping or the entry of more criminal groups. The State Attorney General’s Office, the State Police, and the mayor’s office are maintaining strict secrecy, refusing to confirm any casualties or arrests. This violent incident has shocked the community just weeks before the start of the holiday season and the expected influx of tourists. Paradoxically, the attack occurred shortly after the security forces implemented the “Safe Construction” prevention program on the island—coordinating inspections with the K9 Canine Unit in construction warehouses to combat extortion and drug trafficking—a preventive deployment that is now overshadowed by the breach of its own operational headquarters.
Source: mexicodailypost
