Six possible trafficking victims located in Cancún bar search
Original reporting: Noticaribe
What happened
Authorities located six women identified as possible human-trafficking victims during a court-authorized search of a Cancún bar, where investigators also seized suspected narcotics and other items.
Reporting and context
Six women were located as possible victims of human trafficking during a judicial search of a bar in Cancún's Supermanzana 23, according to Noticaribe. Five of the women are Mexican nationals and one is Guatemalan. The operation was carried out by agents of Quintana Roo's state prosecutor's office, in coordination with the Navy, National Guard and municipal police, after a judge issued a search warrant.
Noticaribe reported that investigators believe the women were performing “fichar” activities at the establishment, a practice in which customers pay for a woman's company or drinks, while prosecutors investigate possible third-party prostitution. The state prosecutor's office said the women may have been recruited by exploiting vulnerable circumstances, including limited schooling and single motherhood. Investigators said the women received 50 to 150 pesos for each consumed drink and offered sexual services priced from 500 to 1,500 pesos; they allegedly had to give half of the latter income to the person managing the business.
During the search, investigators seized a white solid substance, pink powder, a cellphone, condoms, notebooks, a smartwatch and clothing. The property on Chaca Street was secured while the investigation continues. The six women were taken to the prosecutor's office to provide statements and receive assistance, and the seized items were placed at the disposal of the Public Prosecutor's Office as evidence in the case.