Mérida, Yucatán — A senior official from the Yucatán Health Secretariat is facing serious allegations of extortion and abuse of authority following a controversial inspection of the Sonora Grill restaurant in Mérida on September 12, 2025. The operation, led by inspectors from the Directorate of Protection Against Health Risks, was reportedly conducted without proper documentation and under threats, resulting in the arbitrary closure of the establishment.
According to the restaurant’s management, inspectors fabricated violations—such as claiming cigarette butts found outside the premises belonged to the business—and conducted water chlorination tests at the shopping plaza, falsely attributing non-compliance to the restaurant. That same evening, seals were placed on all entry points, leaving perishable goods and utilities unattended.
The situation escalated on September 17, when Abraham Antonio Puch Cardeña, Deputy Director of Health Control and Promotion, allegedly met privately with a company representative. Before the meeting, he confiscated the individual’s phone to prevent recordings. Inside, Puch Cardeña reportedly demanded $520,000 pesos to lift the closure and an additional $30,000 pesos monthly to “protect” the business from future inspections. He threatened permanent closure if the demands were not met.
Sonora Grill refused to pay the bribe and instead opted to settle a formal fine of $490,000 pesos through legal channels. The restaurant has since filed a public complaint, condemning the official’s actions and calling for accountability.
“This is not about attacking institutions,” the company stated, “but exposing those who corrupt them from within.”
The Yucatán State Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation, and business organizations are demanding transparency and swift justice.
Source: yucatan.com.mx
