There is no evidence to suggest that there is an active presence of drug cartels in Puerto Escondido. The city is a relatively small town that relies heavily on tourism, and as such, it has managed to maintain a relatively peaceful environment. The town has a strong police presence and is considered to be safe for visitors and residents alike. While drug-related violence and organized crime are problems in some parts of Mexico, including some parts of the state of Oaxaca, where Puerto Escondido is located, the town itself has remained largely free of such issues.