The head of traffic police in Mexico’s Pacific coast resort of Acapulco was shot to death by gunmen. Eduardo Chávez was killed on a street away from the resort’s beaches, sparking an investigation into the crime. Drug cartels in Mexico often force bus and taxi drivers to work for them, leading to potential anger from traffic stops of such vehicles. In March, videos surfaced on social media showing drug gang enforcers brutally beating bus drivers in Acapulco for not acting as lookouts for the cartel. This incident is the latest in a string of deadly violence in Acapulco following the devastation caused by Category 5 Hurricane Otis.
Despite efforts to recover, violence in Acapulco has continued unabated. Two men were found strangled on Condesa beach in February, with signs of torture by ligature around their necks. Mexican drug gangs frequently kill their victims through asphyxiation. The state government deployed 60 gun-toting detectives to patrol the beaches in response to the violent events. Multiple shootings on the beaches, including one by gunmen arriving and escaping on a boat, have added to the city’s troubles. Only a small fraction of the city’s hotel rooms have been repaired following the hurricane’s destruction.
Efforts are being made to address the ongoing violence in Acapulco, including the construction of three dozen barracks for the National Guard. Despite the presence of about 16,500 troops on the streets, including National Guard and soldiers, gang violence continues to plague the city. In January, gang threats and attacks caused 90% of the city’s passenger vans to stop running, impacting the resort’s main form of transport. Turf battles between gangs in Acapulco have been ongoing since 2006, as they fight over drug sales and extort protection payments from businesses, bars, and transportation services.
The city of Acapulco has been struggling to recover from the impact of Hurricane Otis, which left at least 52 dead and destroyed or damaged most hotels. Despite tourists beginning to return to the resort, violence remains a prevalent issue. The violent death of the head of traffic police adds to the ongoing incidents of brutality and crime in the city. Drug cartels and gangs continue to exert their influence, forcing businesses and individuals into submission through acts of violence and extortion. The government’s efforts to address the situation, including increased military presence and infrastructure improvements, have yet to stem the tide of violence in Acapulco.
