Puerto Vallarta is grappling with the aftermath of widespread violence that erupted following the death of alleged drug lord Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera on Sunday. More than 200 vehicles were reportedly damaged or burned across the municipality, prompting a state of emergency and disrupting daily life in the popular tourist destination.
Puerto Vallarta Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía addressed the public on Monday, 27 hours after the initial unrest, stating that preliminary estimates indicate over 200 vehicles were affected, many of them intentionally set ablaze. According to the city’s communications department, crews had removed 60 damaged vehicles from the streets by Monday, but many more remained obstructing roadways, including a dozen burned-out cars in the Costco parking lot.
Authorities are working to restore order in the combined urban area of Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit, focusing on clearing debris from tourist areas and the city center, particularly along Medina Ascencio Avenue. The situation highlights the challenges facing Mexican authorities in maintaining security in regions impacted by cartel activity.
Some grocery stores have begun to reopen, with long lines forming as residents seek supplies. Others are controlling access, and tourists arriving by air have faced difficulties finding transportation, as collective and rental vehicles are scarce. Public transportation is slowly resuming, currently operating at 20 to 25 percent capacity.
“It’s recommended that the population remain at home until the competent authorities lift the Red Code issued by the state government,” said Mayor Munguía during an assessment tour of Francisco Villa Avenue and the Luis Donaldo Colosio bypass. The Red Code signifies a heightened security alert and calls for residents to limit their movements.
The mayor reported that at least 40 businesses were burned by armed individuals suspected of being affiliated with organized crime. These incidents included looting by both local residents and foreigners. Targeted establishments included Oxxo and Kiosko convenience stores, as well as branches of the Farmacias Guadalajara pharmacy chain.
The University of Guadalajara’s Vallarta campus announced the suspension of in-person classes, transitioning to virtual learning starting Tuesday until conditions improve. This decision underscores the impact of the violence on educational institutions in the area.
In Bahía de Banderas, Mayor Héctor Santana reported that nine locations where 16 burned vehicles were abandoned had been cleared as of Sunday night, particularly along Federal Highway 200 near the borders with Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Nayarit, and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
Santana added that a ban on motorcycle traffic was implemented Sunday evening to prevent further unrest. Police too arrested four individuals: two for allegedly burning a store and two for attempting to rob another business.
