Quintana Roo: key arrests and seizures in 2025

The Attorney General’s Office (FGR) confirmed the arrest of the former governor of Baja California, Ernesto Ruffo Appel, for his alleged participation in a fuel smuggling network. The announcement was made this Friday during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning conference.

The Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, explained that the investigation began after the seizure of 33 ferrotanks. The Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO) identified what it described as one of the largest fuel smuggling networks detected by the authorities.

“It is an investigation that begins after the seizure of the 33 rail tankers. The FEMDO analysis manages to identify this network, which is one of the largest fuel smuggling networks. It is an investigation that lasted more than a year,” said García Harfuch.

Eight arrest warrants

The official reported that eight arrest warrants were served this Thursday. He clarified that there are still more judicial orders to be executed, so the investigations continue.

The illicit scheme consisted of entering fuel into the country and reporting only 10% of the actual capacity transported in the tank railways. In this way, controls and tax obligations were evaded, according to the investigation.

“It is an ongoing investigation, it is not yet finished, but it is an investigation of more than a year by the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic,” stressed the head of the SSPC.

The actions of the FGR and the SSPC reflect the government’s commitment to combating fiscal huachicol and fuel smuggling, which have seriously affected the country’s economy and the integrity of the institutions. Authorities continue to work to dismantle this network and bring all those involved to justice.

From Air Base No. 12 in Tulum, the governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama, expressed her support for President Claudia Sheinbaum. He did so during the morning conference on July 17.

“Let it be extremely clear: we have a lot of presidents and we are very proud of her leadership,” said Lezama.

The state leader thanked Sheinbaum for his actions to resolve needs in the territory. He also highlighted advances in the economy, infrastructure, education, health and recreation.

Debt reduction and more investment

Quintana Roo climbed to fourth place nationally in financial solidity, according to Lezama. He attributed the achievement to the reduction of public debt.

“This translates into greater confidence, investment and solidity for public works. This year alone, the State’s investment will be greater than the entire previous six-year period,” he noted.

In public works, he highlighted roads, avenues, strengthening hospitals and the installation of domes in 300 schools. Public transportation was also improved to make it more efficient and with less environmental impact.

Tourism and sports in the 11 municipalities

Lezama reported on the simultaneous inauguration of 46 sports fields in the 11 municipalities. He described it as part of a legacy in the social field.

At the beginning of the conference, President Sheinbaum announced that tourism improvements for the state would be announced, in addition to the security report by the federal cabinet.

The head of the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur), Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, assured that the Government of Mexico guarantees access to the beaches of Tulum. In the morning conference of President Claudia Sheinbaum, held this Friday in Tulum, the official presented a tourism plan for the area that includes free entry to the Jaguar Park.

Actions of the tourism plan

Rodríguez Zamora reported that the first coordination table between federal agencies, the state and the tourism sector was installed. Among the measures, the “Who’s Who in Prices” program stands out for 24/7 monitoring, the review of the registry of tourist providers in the protected natural area, and the verification of tourist commercial activities.

Also included is the development of the archaeological program, the updating of the urban development plan, the protected area management plan, the registration of public access to the beach, the collection of sargassum, national and international promotion, training and tourism certification, and a sports and cultural billboard.

“The beaches belong to the people as the president has said. They are free, and they are also there every day, for nationals, foreigners and for Tulum residents,” said the secretary.

Free entry and other benefits

The official highlighted that entry to the Jaguar Park will be free for all national visitors, with a cost reduction “in a historic manner.” In addition, electric mobility will be established within the park, a tourist service model with the National Guard, a professionalization plan for service providers, a parking lot, an organization plan and improvements in public services.

Rodríguez Zamora announced that the lighting experience in the archaeological zone will return in November, along with a craft and cultural corridor. He also announced a new public transportation system for Tulum and the creation of new air routes to reach the destination.