The taxi unions in Quintana Roo, particularly in Cancun, are facing intense scrutiny from authorities. Investigations, arrests, and searches have revealed deep-rooted issues within these organizations, leaving thousands of operators and partners in uncertainty.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities are not easing their investigations against the taxi unions in Quintana Roo. Four unions are currently under open proceedings, with search and arrest warrants executed and more expected. These actions have created uncertainty among operators and partners, while citizens suffer from decreased service and an uncertain future for these monopolies.
Crisis in Major Tourist Destinations
Despite the crisis faced by unions in Cancun, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and Playa del Carmen, some drivers continue to tarnish their image by taking violent actions against drivers of platforms like Uber and being linked to organized crime. The recent raid on the “Lázaro Cárdenas del Río” union in Playa del Carmen, due to alleged criminal activities, exemplifies the turmoil within these groups. Similar raids are expected in Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and Chetumal, where taxi drivers have been arrested with drugs and linked to criminal groups.
Uncertain Future
The operations in two of the most powerful taxi unions, coupled with the arrests of some leaders and the murders of several operators, have exacerbated their problems. The 8,000 partners and around 12,000 drivers in Cancun alone face an uncertain future. The infiltration of criminal elements into the unions has been ongoing for years, with executions and arrests highlighting the deep crisis.
Calls for Reform
The lack of real leadership has caused the “Andrés Quintana Roo” Taxi Drivers Union to decline. Criminal lawyers suggest that investigations should extend to all groups in the state. Francisco Amaro Betancourt, former deputy and former director of transportation and roads in Cancun, emphasized the importance of thorough investigations and the need for unions to regain public trust.
Recent Developments
In August, Eliazar S.O., General Secretary of the Frente Único de Trabajadores del Volante (FUTV) in Quintana Roo and leader of the “Tiburones del Caribe” taxi union in Tulum, led a mega-march against digital platforms. He now faces charges of qualified homicide and attempted homicide. His arrest, along with searches in two unions, highlights the ongoing crisis.
The murder of José Luis Corral, advisor to former taxi leader Rubén Carillo, led to the arrest of interim leader Alfonso “N”. A search operation at the Cancun union’s facilities uncovered a torture room, weapons, and drugs.
Deep-Rooted Issues
For about 15 years, union members have been accused of collaborating with organized crime. Many drivers have been arrested, executed, or involved in drug trafficking. In the Hotel Zone, some taxi drivers charge protection money to Uber drivers. Juan Carlos B., a former taxi driver, revealed that many drivers report to criminal cells for “protection fees” to work in certain areas.
The situation in Quintana Roo’s taxi unions is dire, with a deep crisis of credibility. Users increasingly prefer transportation apps due to the unions’ bad practices. The unions must undergo significant reforms to restore public trust and provide a reliable taxi service in the state.
Source: Por Esto
