Increased Security Forces in Playa del Carmen with 334 Patrol Cars & Helicopter

Playa del Carmen Bolsters Security With Major Investment in Police Fleet and Technology

In a powerful show of commitment to public safety, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa oversaw the delivery of 334 new police vehicles, a helicopter, and specialized tactical equipment to the municipal security forces of Playa del Carmen. The investment—valued at more than 1.2 billion pesos (approx. $70 million USD)—marks one of the largest security upgrades the city has seen in recent years.

“This is about guaranteeing peace, security, and dignity for every resident of Quintana Roo,” said Governor Lezama at the official handover ceremony. “Security is not a privilege—it’s a human right.”

The sweeping update includes patrol cars, motorcycles, a tactical armored vehicle, support units, and quality field gear, along with the addition of a police helicopter to bolster air surveillance capabilities. It also includes the creation of 100 new officer positions in the first half of the year, ongoing training programs, and four new ambulances for free public use.

A Response to Rising Security Concerns

This high-profile investment comes amid growing concerns over organized crime and public safety in Playa del Carmen, a city that has seen a troubling uptick in violent incidents, extortion, and drug-related crime over the past year.

In recent months multiple high-profile murders and armed attacks have occurred in tourist zones and residential neighborhoods. Local businesses, particularly in the restaurant and bar sectors, have reported a surge in extortion threats from criminal groups.

Law enforcement agencies have faced public criticism for a perceived lack of resources and slow response times in high-risk areas.

The city’s tourism industry—one of the largest economic engines in the region—has also come under pressure, with international travel advisories warning of increasing risks in Quintana Roo. This new investment aims to reverse that narrative by strengthening the capacity of local law enforcement to patrol, respond, and protect.

United Front on Security

Governor Lezama praised Playa del Carmen Mayor Estefanía Mercado for her leadership and active investment in local security, calling the initiative “a shared responsibility between all levels of government and society.”

The governor also reaffirmed Quintana Roo’s alignment with the national security strategy championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum and implemented by Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch, noting that peace is not achieved overnight, but through consistent effort and collaboration.

New Units and Community Focus

Municipal Citizen Security Secretary Raúl Tassinari also announced the formation of Playa’s first animal protection police unit, a step toward more humane and community-centered policing.

“This new equipment is more than hardware—it’s a symbol of our commitment to the people of Playa del Carmen,” Tassinari said. “Our mission is to serve and protect, and now we’re better equipped than ever to do that.”