On Sunday, three Cubans were taken into custody in the parking lot of Mercado 28 in Cancún, a renowned commercial hub in the tourist hotspot of Quintana Roo. Officers from the Secretariat of Citizen Security caught them in what they described as an exchange of suspected illegal substances.
The operation, reported by local media such as Periodistas Quintana Roo, occurred along Avenida Xel-Há in the Supermanzana 28 neighborhood of Benito Juárez municipality during routine patrols for prevention and surveillance.
Details of the Arrest
The officers observed three individuals exchanging small bags containing green herb and decided to intervene.
According to the official report cited by Diario Cambio 22, "the officers witnessed what appeared to be an exchange of small bags containing green herb similar to marijuana among three people."
Following a precautionary inspection, the officers confirmed the presence of narcotics and subsequently arrested the three individuals.
Those detained were identified as Yamir Jesús "N", Luis David "N", and Carlos Alejandro "N", all of whom stated they were of Cuban nationality.
Seizure Breakdown
The official report highlighted the following findings, as documented by Quintana Roo Hoy:
Yamir Jesús "N": 39 bags of suspected marijuana, 31 bags of suspected crystal, and a mobile phone.
Luis David "N": 37 bags of suspected marijuana and 26 bags of suspected crystal.
Carlos Alejandro "N": three bags of suspected marijuana, three bags of suspected crystal, and three eco-friendly bags of various colors.
In total, authorities secured 70 bags of green herb and 60 bags of crystalline fragments, alongside the phone and fabric bags used to transport the items.
Legal Proceedings
The three detainees are under the jurisdiction of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Narcomenudeo Crime in Quintana Roo, which will determine their legal standing as investigations into their alleged involvement in health-related crimes progress.
As of the time of writing, details regarding the immigration status of the three Cubans at the time of arrest have not surfaced.
A Recurring Pattern in Quintana Roo
This incident is not an isolated one. In recent weeks, several similar operations in Mexico have involved Cuban citizens.
On June 26, seven Cubans were apprehended on Holbox Island with a shipment that included marijuana, cocaine, crack, and ecstasy.
Around the same time, another four Cubans were linked to a case in Cancún for distributing marijuana via social media platforms.
By the end of July, a Cuban national was arrested in Tabasco with doses of marijuana, crystal, and crack marked with the phrase "Plata o plomo."
The pattern extends beyond street-level drug trafficking.
In January 2026, authorities detained Remigio Valdez Lao, known as "El Milo," in Cancún. He is alleged to be the financial mastermind of a Cuban-American cell tied to the Sinaloa Cartel, with operations spanning Cuba, Mexico, Spain, and South Florida.
Human rights organizations and specialized media outlets caution that many Cuban migrants, stranded in Mexico during their unsuccessful journey to the U.S., have unfortunately been recruited by criminal groups.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Arrests in Mexico
What substances were found with the arrested Cubans?
Authorities seized 70 bags of green herb and 60 bags of crystalline fragments, suspected to be marijuana and crystal, respectively.
Who is handling the legal proceedings for the arrested individuals?
The Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Narcomenudeo Crime in Quintana Roo is responsible for determining their legal status as investigations continue.
Have there been similar incidents involving Cubans in Mexico recently?
Yes, there have been several incidents in recent weeks involving Cuban nationals and drug-related activities in Mexico.