Terramar Security Report February 2011

Transcription

1 Terramar Security Report February 2011 San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas collectively known as Los Cabos, not only remain safe travel destinations but comparatively speaking are actually safer options than most U.S. metropolises. International news outlets continue to generalize reports on crime and violence primarily afflicting northern Mexican border cities. Located at the southernmost tip of the 1000-mile long Baja Peninsula in the State of Baja California Sur and separated from mainland Mexico by the Sea of Cortez, Los Cabos is far removed from those highly reported and troubled areas of Mexico, both in distance and ambiance. Please do not be fooled by the mainstream media stating that Mexico as a whole is unsafe. This could not be further than the truth. In fact tourism statistics are on the rise in 2011, as our hotel occupancy has increased 5% to date in comparison to Moreover, the growing demand for travel to Los Cabos by American travelers has been reflected in expanded airlift to our destination from the U.S. in particular with Virgin America s newly launched nonstop daily flights to Los Cabos (SJD) from San Francisco (SFO). This type of growth clearly demonstrates that international travelers view Los Cabos as an appealing and safe vacation destination. In addition to air travel, Disney Cruise Line as well as other large cruise lines continue to have ships positioned on the west coast of Mexico with 7 night cruises departing from Los Angeles. In million tourists flew safely to Los Cabos Plus 700,000 cruise ship passengers arrived by sea as well as many millions more to other resort destinations such as Cancun, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta. The recently released results of a two year-long study conducted by the Institute of Higher Studies of Monterrey which evaluated tourism offerings throughout Mexico s 31 states and Federal District ranked Baja California Sur third in the categories of public safety, tourism services, and transportation infrastructure. Baja California Sur also ranked first in natural resources and environmental protection, and garnered an overall guest satisfaction index of 97. In 2010 the Mexican Federal Goverment awarded first place to Los Cabos as the best tourist destination. As long as vacationers act responsibly and remember their common sense, there is no reason they shouldn t expect to enjoy a relaxing and problem-free time in Los Cabos as in any other tourist destination around the world. 1

2 The Real Story On The Drug Wars Mexico is currently facing a big and important challenge in fighting drug cartels in the production and transit of drugs to the United States. 1 Although Mexican drug cartels, or drug trafficking organizations, have existed for quite some time, they have become more powerful since the 1990 s. Due to the high demand for drugs in the United States and the relative ease of trafficking arms into Mexico from the U.S., Mexico has been set as the battle ground for the drug wars. Arrests of key cartel leaders, particularly in the Tijuana and Gulf cartels, have led to increasing drug violence as cartels fight for control of the trafficking routes into the United States. In December 2006, President Felipe Calderon launched operations against the cartels in 9 of Mexico s 32 states. As a result of these operations, it is clear that the entire world is watching every move and every press report that stems from the violent and gruesome acts of these drug cartels. While it is clear to most that these battles have been amongst themselves, there is no doubt that there are parts of Mexico that have received the brunt of the problems. As with any war there is always collateral damage. In the case of Mexico the damage is to the image of this great country. In an interview, President Calderon admitted to underestimating his adversary and also acknowledged that the magnitude of this problem was in part due to the inaction and negligence of previous administrations. In the eyes of the U.S. and foreign governments, Calderon is a true hero. Calderon has finally done what Mexican presidents have been promising since 1980, to combat the drug trafficking trade. In Mexico there have been many opponents of President Calderon who have accused him of fighting a battle that belongs more to the United States than that of Mexico. Mexico has eternally been a transit point for drugs bound to the United States and the end consumer. 2 To date, there has been great progress in the dismantling of these high-powered drug cartels. From December of 2006 to August 19th of 2010 a total of 117,230 criminals have been detained from both national and international decent (82,423 involved in drug trafficking, 2,990 involved in kidnapping and 31,870 involved in other crimes). Regarding the big players specifically the following have been detained since September 2009: 7 national kingpins and over 30 between regional and local leaders. 3 In addition, the following has been seized since President Calderon took office: 99 tons of cocaine, 7,000 tons marijuana, 60,000 pills and 17 tons methamphetamines. The commercial value of these seizures exceeds 10 billions USD. 4 1 Colleen W. Cook, Analyst in Latin American Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division,

3 What is being done to keep Los Cabos safe? The Mexican Navy has increased their presence in Los Cabos with larger and faster boats capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 mph. Air patrols have increased as well as sophisticated radar systems capable of identifying drug runners far out at sea. The Mexican navy also coordinates closely with the US Navy and US Coast Guard to patrol the Mexican waters to catch drug trade ships en route to Mexican shores. Along with increased navy presence, there is also an increased tourist police force on all street corners of the tourist areas of Los Cabos. Closed circuit camera systems are located in tourist areas to deter petty crimes as well. Federal police are present on all of our highways as well as Army checkpoints placed in strategic locations along our highways. All this in order to prevent any issues from the beginning. How can these problems be eliminated? Critics suggest that more emphasis should be placed on demand reduction in the United States, including drug prevention education and treatment. 5 The Mexican government urges the United States to increase its efforts to reduce U.S. demand for drugs, stating that it cannot succeed in its efforts against the cartels so long as cartels stand to earn billions of dollars annually from the U.S. illicit drug market. Critics of current policy, including the Mexican government, are also calling for increased efforts to combat arms trafficking from the United States to Mexico. 6 U.S. State Department says Drug-related violence, including shootings and kidnappings, has increased in Acapulco. Although this violence is not targeted at foreign residents or tourists, some of the violence has occurred in areas frequented by tourists and U.S. citizens in these areas should be vigilant in their personal safety. 7 Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year. This includes tens of thousands who cross the border every day for study, tourism or business and at least one million U.S. citizens who live in Mexico. The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major drug trafficking routes. Nevertheless, crime and violence are serious problems. While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well. 8 5 Colleen W. Cook, Analyst in Latin American Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division, Colleen W. Cook, Analyst in Latin American Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division, U.S. State Department, Jan U.S. State Department, Jan

4 Detroit Chicago Oakland St. Louis New York Las Vegas Anaheim Tijuana Ciudad Juarez New Orleans Nuevo Laredo Matamoros Los Cabos Puerto Vallarta Cancún Orlando Distance Comparison Chart Mexico City Most Visited Cities in the U.S. & Mexico High Crime Cities in the U.S. High Crime Cities in Mexico St. Louis Detroit Oakland New Orleans Tijuana Ciudad Juarez Nuevo Laredo Matamoros NEW YORK LAS VEGAS ANAHEIM ORLANDO CHICAGO ,565 1,263 1,385 1, ,510 1,580 1, , , , LOS CABOS CANCÚN PTO. VALLARTA MEXICO CITY ,010 1, , ,430 1, * Source for high crime cities in the U.S.: CQ Press 2010 using reported data from the FBI * Source for some of the most visited cities in the U.S.: Forbes 2010 * Source for high crime cities in Mexico: U.S. State Department 2011 * Source for some of the most visited cities in Mexico: Televisa

5 Conclusions The news media, although very informative can also mislead people in taking for fact information that might not be 100% accurate. Unfortunately the Media s generalization has greatly affected a very large part of the country that is not only safe but beautiful. Be well informed on where ever your travels may take you and always be aware of your surroundings. Knowing your geography will help you understand what is happening and where it is happening. Not visiting Los Cabos due to violence in Ciudad Juarez would be like not going to Chicago due to riots in Los Angeles. Mexico is a very large country. U.S. citizens as well as citizens from other nations are not targets for these drug cartels. Don t be afraid to visit Mexico, it is a wonderful country full of wonderful people and places to visit. 5