Canadians in Puerto Vallarta are under a shelter in place order as cartel violence grips parts of southwestern Mexico following the reported death of a major drug lord.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed criminal groups have erected roadblocks using burning vehicles across Jalisco State, including in the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta. Authorities have also reported shootouts and explosions, though officials have not confirmed injuries.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said the federal government is “closely monitoring” developments.
According to the federal government, just under 19,000 Canadians are currently in Mexico, including nearly 5,000 in Jalisco State. Those figures are based on voluntary registrations by Canadians abroad.
The violence erupted after Mexican federal forces carried out a raid Sunday morning in Tapalpa, about 400 kilometres inland from Puerto Vallarta. In a social media post, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro said the operation led to “confrontations” across the state.
The Associated Press reported that Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as ‘El Mencho,’ was killed during the clash with military special forces. He led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, considered one of Mexico’s most powerful and fastest-growing criminal organizations.
The U.S. State Department had previously offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest. Earlier this month, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.
The escalating violence forced the closure of Puerto Vallarta’s airport, disrupting travel plans for thousands. Online flight trackers showed several Canada-bound flights turning around mid-journey.
WestJet, Air Canada, Flair, Air Transat and Porter Airlines cancelled or diverted flights to Puerto Vallarta, as well as nearby Guadalajara and Manzanillo.
WestJet said it diverted seven flights en route to Puerto Vallarta and cancelled 24 flights to and from the city. “As conditions evolve, additional cancellations may be required to ensure the safety of everyone,” the airline said in a statement.
A WestJet flight scheduled to arrive in Victoria at 7:17 p.m. was cancelled Sunday, according to the Victoria International Airport website.
Air Transat said its Sunday flights were rescheduled to Monday and that it is closely monitoring the situation.
One Canadian, identified as Osmack, said her two children were set to return to Vancouver Sunday but have since been rebooked for later this week.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents to remain calm, stating that federal and state governments are working in full co-operation. Canadian officials continue to advise travellers in the region to keep a low profile, follow instructions from local authorities and monitor media reports as the situation unfolds.
