# Criminal arrests of Cuban nationals in Cancún

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/criminal-arrests-of-cuban-nationals-in-cancn
> Updated: 2026-10-15T02:16:17.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

In mid-October 2026, authorities in Cancún, Mexico, conducted operations targeting Cuban nationals involved in criminal activities near the El Parián market.

Initial reports indicated the arrest of four Cuban nationals by the State Attorney General's Office and local police on suspicion of counterfeiting national currency. The suspects were apprehended following reports of using counterfeit bills to purchase goods and services.

Subsequent details from a joint security operation known as ‘Blindaje Cancún’—involving the Municipal Police, SEDENA, SEMAR, the National Guard, and the State Attorney General's Office—revealed a broader scope of criminal activity. In a related incident on October 12, five Cuban nationals were apprehended for alleged drug trafficking. During this operation, authorities seized marijuana, a substance suspected to be methamphetamine, a firearm with ammunition, and 8,600 Mexican pesos in suspected counterfeit bills.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-15: Puerto Aventuras mayor arrested for aggravated extortion

The mayor of Puerto Aventuras, Gilberto Gómez Martínez, and two others have been arrested in Quintana Roo for allegedly extorting local merchants through threats and illegal fees.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/five-cuban-nationals-arrested-in-cancn-for-drug-trafficking

### 2026-10-12: Cancún authorities arrest four Cuban nationals for alleged counterfeiting

Four Cuban nationals were arrested in Cancún, Mexico, for allegedly using counterfeit currency to pay for goods and services near the El Parián market.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cancn-authorities-arrest-four-cuban-nationals-for-alleged-counterfeiting

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Cite as: Criminal arrests of Cuban nationals in Cancún. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/criminal-arrests-of-cuban-nationals-in-cancn