Three American tourists visiting Belize have recently died at a beach resort, local officials say, and officials are investigating the deaths as possible drug overdose.
Belize officials identified the women as Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar (26). The young woman died on Saturday in a Central American country.
The bodies of the tourists were found in a room at Royal Cajul Beach Resort in San Pedro. The group last saw them enter their room on a Thursday night.
According to the Associated Press, resort employees used their master keys to enter the room on Saturday morning after housing staff tried to contact the group on Friday.
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Three American tourists have recently died in San Pedro, Belize. (Getty Images/Istock)
The cause of their death is still under investigation, but staff said the woman was foaming in her mouth. According to Channel 5 Belize, officials discovered “alcohol and some trash” in the room, and police are reviewing whether the substance was brought from America or bought from locals.
“We're not at this point saying that the gummies caused death, we're looking at all possible possibilities,” Officer Chester Williams was quoted as saying.
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Steam and snacks were also found in the women's room, but no injuries or signs were found at the forced entrance.
Belize, borders with the Caribbean, is a popular destination for American tourists, but the US government has warned its citizens of being cautious at home. The US State Department lists travel advisories for US citizens in Belize on its website.
“Violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasion, armed robbery and murder are common during the day and in tourist areas,” the website warns. “The majority of violent crimes are related to gangs.”
Aerial photograph of San Pedro, Belize, adjacent to the Caribbean Sea. (Getty Images/Istock)
The State Department's warning applies throughout the country of Belize, but advises visitors to specifically avoid Belize City, which is about 35 miles south of San Pedro.
“Due to the high crime, we recommend that travelers take caution while traveling to the south of Belize City,” the warning states. “Local police lack the resources and training to effectively deal with serious crimes.”
Fox News Digital contacted the Belize Police Station for more details but received no response.
San Pedro is a popular tourist destination in Belize. (Getty Images/Istock)
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Authorities are actively investigating.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
