The Casino Royale in Monterrey, Mexico, became the site of a devastating arson attack when members of the Los Zetas drug cartel set fire to the establishment. This brazen assault, which occurred amid a climate of intense drug-related violence in Mexico, specifically targeted the casino as a punishment for failing to comply with the cartel's extortion demands. As flames engulfed the building, many patrons were trapped inside, leading to a catastrophic loss of life. Fifty-two people died as a result of this horrific incident, with many more injured, highlighting the extreme measures the cartel was willing to undertake to enforce compliance within their territory.

The attack represented a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between drug cartels and the Mexican government, as well as between rival cartels. Los Zetas, originally formed by former elite military personnel, were notorious for their brutal tactics. Following the incident, public outrage surged, and protests erupted across Mexico, calling for government action against the growing influence of drug cartels. The Casino Royale attack was seen as a pivotal event, further complicating the landscape of drug-related violence, which had already claimed thousands of lives across the country in the preceding years.

In the aftermath of the arson, there were calls from civic organizations and local authorities for tighter security measures and more aggressive law enforcement responses to cartel violence. The event underscored the pervasive fear experienced by citizens living in cartel-dominated areas and served as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by Mexico in combating crime and ensuring public safety.