ARE YOU AFRAID TO VACATION IN MEXICO?

ARE YOU AFRAID TO VACATION IN  MEXICO?

Some people have told me that they are afraid to go to Mexico because it is too dangerous. We have spent two months in each of the last two winters in Mazatlan and are booked to go again in January 2020. In all the time we have spent there, we have never really been afraid for our safety. In many countries that appear to be potentially dangerous, local and national governments very much value the tourist dollar and want to maintain a positive, profitable tourist trade by providing a strong police presence. So I generally feel safe, but there are a few cautions you should know about.

If you want to get picky, I am aware of three fairly significant problems that might cause a person to be concerned. Everyone has heard of the drug cartels that operate in Mexico and the ongoing conflicts between cartels and the government army. The illicit drug business brings between $13 and $49 billion into Mexico each year. Mexico is the major source of bringing drugs into the USA and the gangs that control the business can be very ruthless and murderous. It is estimated that over 140,000 Mexicans have been killed in the drug wars over the past few decades. These wars have been marked by brutality, intimidation, bribery and mass killings. As a tourist, I am aware of the situation, but honestly believe that the tourist is not the target and need not fear unless they themselves are involved in drug use or trafficking on a street level. Call me naive, but I visit without any fear of the drug world.

Another major Mexican problem has to do with the regular theft of gasoline from Mexican refineries and from gasoline pipelines. Thieves with trucks often steal gasoline by tapping into pipelines that crisscross the country. On January 18, 2019, while we were there on vacation, a pipeline transporting gasoline exploded in the town of Tlahuelilpan, in the Mexican state of Hidalgo. The blast killed at least 137 people and injured dozens more. Mexican authorities blamed fuel thieves, who had illegally tapped into the pipeline. Locals were killed while filling buckets and pails with gasoline as it shot into the air. It has been reported that over one billion dollars of gasoline is stolen annually by gangs, who can easily sell the gas to locals. Since we do not drive in Mexico, I have no fear of the stolen gasoline enterprise.

I do have some apprehension about the third major Mexican problem. Before 1997 the USA did not import avocados from Mexico. Since 1998 however, the exporting of avocados has become a $2.3 billion dollar industry. Our dishonest cronies from the drug cartels have become interested in the “green gold” market that the avocados represent and have been stealing shipments, intimidating and kidnapping growers, and generally trying to take control of this industry as well. Growers are now arming themselves into local militias and a new war between avocado thiefs, the drug cartels, and the avocado industry has just added more woes to the life of the hard working Mexican farmer. Who knew that avocados would become as deadly a product as heroin and cocaine!

When we vacation in Mexico, I don’t use drugs or buy gasoline, so I have little fear in these two areas. I have to be a little more cautious however when I shop for avocados in the street or super markets, but I will take my chances. I will just put on my don’t-mess-with-me teacher’s face, squeeze the avocados gently, and toss a ten peso coin to the salesman in payment!

If you have what it takes, and you want to come to Mexico this winter, give us a call!  I will definitely protect you in the avocado market!