Moonbeam Resident Caught in Cartel-Related Shooting in Playa del Carmen
A Northern Ontario woman is sharing her terrifying experience of being caught in a cartel-related shooting while vacationing in Mexico last month.
Lisa Sambell, an experienced traveler with a deep love for Mexico, had always found comfort in visiting Cozumel. However, during her most recent trip, she decided to explore Playa del Carmen, an area known for its vibrant nightlife and picturesque beaches. On the night of January 2, while enjoying an evening at the Oh La Habana bar and restaurant on Playa del Carmen’s popular 5th Avenue, she suddenly found herself in the midst of gunfire.
What began as a casual night out with her boyfriend and a friend quickly turned into a life-threatening situation when the bar was hit with a barrage of bullets. Sambell recalled hearing a loud bang, initially mistaking it for fireworks. However, when the shots continued, she and the other patrons realized they were under attack.
“I was under the pool table for the longest time,” Sambell recounted. “I don’t even know how I got shot in the arm.”
A total of 14 rounds were fired into the establishment. Sambell sustained injuries to her arm and leg and was rushed to a local hospital, where she underwent a three-hour procedure to remove a bullet from her arm and receive treatment for her wounds. It was later revealed that the attack stemmed from cartel violence, allegedly targeting the bar owner over an unpaid debt.
Without travel insurance, Sambell had to cover her medical expenses, which totaled approximately $5,000. A GoFundMe page has since been set up to help her manage the unexpected costs. Despite the ordeal, Sambell remains fond of Mexico but acknowledges that she will exercise more caution in the future.
“I’ve been to Mexico so many times, and I still love it,” she said. “But this was just an unfortunate situation, and I want people to know it can happen to anyone.”
While Sambell commended the local healthcare team for their treatment, she described her interactions with local police as stressful due to the language barrier. The Government of Canada continues to advise travelers to Mexico to remain vigilant, avoid displaying signs of affluence, and thoroughly research destinations before visiting.
Despite the traumatic experience, Sambell is determined to reclaim her love for travel. She has no plans to return to Playa del Carmen but remains open to visiting other areas in Mexico. As a reminder of her survival, her boyfriend is having the bullet that was removed from her arm made into a necklace by a jeweler in Kapuskasing.