Quebec fugitive killed in Mexican resort town, RCMP say

By The Canadian Press on December 23, 2024.

The Royal Canadian Mountain Police have confirmed the death of a Canadian fugitive wanted by Quebec provincial police in what Mexican media are calling a murder. The RCMP logo is seen at a news conference in St. John's, Saturday, June 24, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

MONTREAL – RCMP are confirming that a fugitive wanted by Quebec provincial police has died in Mexico, in what local media are calling a murder.

Mathieu Bélanger had been on the run since Quebec provincial police issued a warrant in 2022 for his arrest for unlawful possession and storage of firearms.

Quebec media reports say the Quebecer also had ties to the Hells Angels and was involved in drug trafficking.

Mexican media say Bélanger was gunned down on Saturday in a parking lot by men on a motorcycle.

He had just left the gym in the resort town of Playa del Carmen, located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

RCMP say they confirmed the death with their Mexican liaison officer in Cancun, but did not release details.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024.