An American woman tragically lost her life amidst gunfire during a suspected drug transaction that turned violent at a well-known Mexican beach resort in Tulum municipality.
According to ABC News, the Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office initiated an investigation into the events of February 9, which resulted in the demise of an alleged drug dealer from Belize and the American woman, identified as 44-year-old Niko Honarbakhsh, a native of Los Angeles.
Upon examination, authorities found cocaine and “transparent bags with red and orange pills,” along with bags filled with “brown granulated powder” in the possession of the deceased individual. This evidence led the prosecutor’s office to conclude that he was probably a drug dealer associated with a criminal gang.
Local reports attempted to establish a connection between the two individuals and suggested they were in a relationship. However, the prosecutor’s office refuted these claims, stating that they were inaccurate.
After expressing condolences, a spokesperson from the U.S. State Department said, “We are closely monitoring local authorities’ investigation into the cause of death. We are providing all appropriate assistance to the family. Out of respect to the family during this difficult time, we have no further comment.”
Prosecutors assert that Honarbakhsh’s death was caused by a stray bullet. Both bodies will undergo autopsies as part of the investigation. Authorities have identified suspects and are actively pursuing leads to apprehend them. None of the suspects have been named.
Tulum has witnessed other tourists losing their lives in gang-related incidents in recent years. In 2021, two such tourists, a California travel blogger and a German, were fatally shot while dining in a restaurant when rival drug dealers began firing at each other.
First of all, Tulum has NEVER been safe. You have to pass the cartels on the way there and they actually board the bus you are on with long guns.
An American woman died in the crossfire of an apparent drug deal gone bad at a popular Mexican beach resort in the municipality of… pic.twitter.com/4DHxFKYaFa
— Tired of being politically correct (@USBornNRaised) February 13, 2024
Last year, the U.S. issued do not travel advisories for certain parts of Mexico, particularly preceding the popular March spring break travel season. These warnings were prompted by concerns about gang violence, with mention of instances where U.S. citizens have suffered serious illnesses or fatalities in Mexico after consuming synthetic drugs or tainted prescription medications.
In addition, members of a cartel abducted four Americans who had crossed the border seeking cosmetic surgery. Tragically, during a shootout, two of the Americans and an innocent Mexican bystander lost their lives.
