A group of 20 indigenous people from the Lacandon ethnic group, residents of the Lacanjá Chansayab community, were detained this morning in an operation to dismantle a cell of organized crime that uses landing strips to traffic drugs in the lands of the archaeological zone of Bonampak. Among those detained are several prominent members of the community, including the commissioner of the Communal Goods.
The leader of the gang, known as 'El Cabra', managed to escape presumably after being alerted by the deputy director of the State Preventive Police, Adalberto N., who is believed to have provided information to the criminal group. The operation, led by elite police from the government of Chiapas, took place in the heart of the Lacandon Jungle.
It has been noted that this group of Lacandon indigenous people has shown power in the past, such as when they subdued elements of the Mexican Army two years ago to recover a plane and seized drugs. Additionally, they recently expelled four Lacandon families who opposed illegal activities in the region, including community leaders.
During the operation, more than 20 people were arrested, including a deputy director of the State Preventive Police, allegedly linked to the criminal group. Testimonies have been gathered indicating that 'El Cabra' and his hitmen interrupted a meeting in the community, threatening the communal members and shooting, injuring six of them.
The communal members of Lacanjá Chansayab, who are the main providers of tourist services in the Lacandon Jungle, have been living under threats and fear for more than two years due to the situation with the criminal group. Recently, at an assembly, they expressed their rejection of the illegal activities that have affected tourism in the region.
