MEXICO CITY — Gunmen riding jet skis opened fire at a rival drug dealer on a beach in the resort town of Cancun, killing a 12-year-old boy before fleeing, Mexican authorities said.
Prosecutors said in a statement late Sunday that the boy suffered gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital where he later died.
The boy was a local resident who apparently was lying on a lounge chair on the beach with his family when he was shot.
Prosecutors said the intended targets of the gunmen were rivals engaged in a dispute over drug sales. The boy was apparently hit by stray bullets.
Territorial disputes between drug dealers have cost the lives of several tourists in the resorts along Mexico’s Caribbean coast in recent years.
In 2022, two Canadians were killed in Playa del Carmen, south of Cancun, apparently because of debts between international drug and weapons trafficking gangs.
In 2021, further south in Tulum, two tourists — one a California travel blogger born in India and a German national — were killed when they apparently were caught in the crossfire of a gunfight between rival drug dealers.
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Tragedy struck the popular tourist destination of Cancun, Mexico, as a 12-year-old boy was killed in a shooting at a beach by gunmen on jet skis. The incident, which occurred on a sunny afternoon, has shocked locals and tourists alike, highlighting the ongoing issue of violence in the region.
According to reports, the gunmen were targeting a rival drug dealer who was also present at the beach. In their attempt to eliminate their target, they opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the tragic death of the young boy who was caught in the crossfire. The boy, whose identity has not been released, was enjoying a day at the beach with his family when the shooting occurred.
The brazen attack has once again brought attention to the escalating violence in Cancun, which has been plagued by drug-related crime in recent years. The city, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife, has seen a rise in cartel-related violence as rival gangs compete for control of the lucrative drug trade.
Local authorities have condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. The mayor of Cancun has called for increased security measures to ensure the safety of residents and tourists in the area. The incident has also prompted calls for stricter gun control laws to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
The death of the 12-year-old boy has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing outrage and sadness over the senseless violence. As investigations into the shooting continue, residents and tourists are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
In the wake of this tragic event, it is important for authorities to address the root causes of violence in Cancun and work towards creating a safer environment for all who visit or call the city home. The loss of a young life is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of drug-related crime, and serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to come together to address this pressing issue.
