Cozumel Bars Raided: 14 Women Rescued from Trafficking

In a joint operation, fourteen women were rescued from two bars in Cozumel, where they were victims of a human trafficking network. These Mexican nationals were exploited for sexual purposes, hidden behind the facade of normality and neon lights. The operation was carried out by the State Attorney General's Office, with support from the National Guard, the Mexican Army, the Navy Secretariat, and the Citizen Security Secretariat. They conducted simultaneous searches in two establishments located in the Industrial neighborhood, revealing a well-organized system of exploitation.

At the first bar, nine women were discovered working under degrading conditions. They were compelled to interact with customers, consume alcohol, and perform private dances. Each sexual service cost up to 1,600 pesos, plus an additional 800 pesos for room use. This payment structure left the victims with little chance of escape. The second establishment was no different, where five more women were forced into sexual services for up to 3,000 pesos. The drinks they served were priced at 1,650 pesos per bottle. Detailed logs of each transaction, condoms, and delivery notes were found, indicating the scale of the operation. At the conclusion of the operation, security seals were placed on the businesses, indicating their closure for an extended period.

The victims were transported to the Prosecutor's Office to provide their statements and receive necessary support. The investigation continues to track down those responsible for this human trafficking network, which had been operating covertly. This operation has exposed just a fraction of a larger problem that persists in the shadows. Authorities have pledged to continue their efforts until this criminal network is fully dismantled. However, the question remains: How many other establishments continue to operate in this manner, with no intervention, despite the concerns of local residents in the area of Golondrinas?