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Citing out-of-control violence, the bureau’s Los Angeles field division issued a Travel Warning
Mexico is in the grips of a violent war between rival drug smuggling cartels. The fact that the bloodshed shows no signs of abating does not bode well to the safety of boaters cruising along a coastline increasingly used for smuggling operations.
Smuggler’s Corridor
Although tourists and recreational boaters are not primary targets, “the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens,” according to a separate Travel Alert released in February by the U.S. State Department. “Common-sense precautions” include avoiding areas where drug dealing might occur, according to the alert.
Some feel it is only a matter of time before a boater winds up “in the wrong place at the wrong time” or becomes a target of kidnapping or piracy.
For boaters to understand the potential for being caught up in violence offshore, it is important to know that major drug smugglers have changed methods and personnel.
Southland boaters who may still believe they are insulated from being caught up in violence or perhaps becoming targets of kidnappings or piracy should be aware that shots have already been fired in American waters.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents were forced to open fire on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel that refused to stop 12 miles northwest of Point Loma.
Mexico is in the grips of a violent war between rival drug smuggling cartels. The fact that the bloodshed shows no signs of abating does not bode well to the safety of boaters cruising along a coastline increasingly used for smuggling operations.
Smuggler’s Corridor
Although tourists and recreational boaters are not primary targets, “the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens,” according to a separate Travel Alert released in February by the U.S. State Department. “Common-sense precautions” include avoiding areas where drug dealing might occur, according to the alert.
Some feel it is only a matter of time before a boater winds up “in the wrong place at the wrong time” or becomes a target of kidnapping or piracy.
For boaters to understand the potential for being caught up in violence offshore, it is important to know that major drug smugglers have changed methods and personnel.
Southland boaters who may still believe they are insulated from being caught up in violence or perhaps becoming targets of kidnappings or piracy should be aware that shots have already been fired in American waters.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents were forced to open fire on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel that refused to stop 12 miles northwest of Point Loma.
