BajaNomad

Solders Searching Tourists in Los Barriles

Bomberro - 10-26-2011 at 05:59 AM

Saturday, the Mexican Army set up a check point at the edge of Los Barriles on the beach road just North of town. They were stopping all cars and going through purses and having the men empty pockets, and doing a very close inspection of the vehicles. They had one solder holding an M16, pointed down, finger on the trigger guard, close by person being searched, ready to shoot. One couple I spoke with after being searched were upset by the threat of being shot and the personal invasion. This area is in the La Paz jurisdiction and I have heard from some friends that live there, the new Army General is not a nice person and is considered to be mean. I would think these solders were doing this at his direct orders, another bad thing for Baja Tourism.

Tbone - 10-26-2011 at 06:21 AM

Had the men empty their pockets? What are they looking for, a roach, really. Fine job boys, got 1 more roach off the street.

DENNIS - 10-26-2011 at 07:27 AM

This is ridiculous, police state crap. Why don't they just put an end to tourism?

wilderone - 10-26-2011 at 07:40 AM

Why doesn't the USA just invade Baja Ca. and claim it as a territory, declare the entire peninsula a national park, hire park rangers, charge $25 at the door for a carload, $10/night camping - some BLM land of course for free camping. Income taxes from all the "grandfathered in" farmers. Lucrative leases from the Canadian miners - better yet, fine them big time for pollution violations. Set up some National Guard and Coast Guard stations, a Navy port to keep our shores safe. Would be a great success.

bajabass - 10-26-2011 at 07:45 AM

Then I would have to move another 1000 miles south!! No Way!!!!

Cisco - 10-26-2011 at 08:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
Why doesn't the USA just invade Baja Ca. and claim it as a territory, declare the entire peninsula a national park, hire park rangers, charge $25 at the door for a carload, $10/night camping - some BLM land of course for free camping. Income taxes from all the "grandfathered in" farmers. Lucrative leases from the Canadian miners - better yet, fine them big time for pollution violations. Set up some National Guard and Coast Guard stations, a Navy port to keep our shores safe. Would be a great success.



Yeah. Lot's of illegal TSA and Homeland Security road stops and searches also.

shari - 10-26-2011 at 08:06 AM

I have had my purse searched at the san ignacio checkpoint and at roving surprise checkpoints and seen men have to empty their pockets and even get patted down...mexican men though. They are looking for drugs and guns in purses...while it is rare it happens, I figure it will increase as part of the silly war on drugs. What's the point of having a checkpoint and trying to stop drug dealers if they cant look in your purse.. big purses sure could hold alot of meth packages doncha think? and smugglers are smart...they could easily get some tourist girl or old dude in an RV to smuggle for them.

DENNIS - 10-26-2011 at 08:09 AM

It's harrasment....pure and simple. The military has the intel to know where the problems are, and it's not in old ladies purses or grandpa's pockets.

tripledigitken - 10-26-2011 at 08:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
This is ridiculous, police state crap. Why don't they just put an end to tourism?


They almost have!

Wiles - 10-26-2011 at 08:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
It's harrasment....pure and simple. The military has the intel to know where the problems are, and it's not in old ladies purses or grandpa's pockets.


Well, maybe not grandpa's pockets, but.....

http://articles.kspr.com/2011-10-25/michigan-state-troopers_...

Iflyfish - 10-26-2011 at 08:18 AM

We should thank them for their diligence. I thought we wanted drug crime stopped. I thought we wanted drugs made illegal. This is ultimately what a War on Drugs ends up with. A police state. This is what full enforcement looks like.

Iflyfish

DENNIS - 10-26-2011 at 08:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Wiles
Well, maybe not grandpa's pockets, but.....

http://articles.kspr.com/2011-10-25/michigan-state-troopers_...



If that happened ten thousand more times, it would still be considered an anomly.

Mengano - 10-26-2011 at 08:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Iflyfish
We should thank them for their diligence. I thought we wanted drug crime stopped. I thought we wanted drugs made illegal. This is ultimately what a War on Drugs ends up with. A police state. This is what full enforcement looks like.

Iflyfish


It's what the war on drugs looks like in Mexico. The war on drugs started 40 years ago in the US and we still don't have a police state. We don't have military check points all over the country, and in the US, police are not allowed to search you except with probable cause. Our military cannot perform ordinary police investigation work (Posse Comitatus Act).


sanquintinsince73 - 10-26-2011 at 08:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
Why doesn't the USA just invade Baja Ca. and claim it as a territory, declare the entire peninsula a national park, hire park rangers, charge $25 at the door for a carload, $10/night camping - some BLM land of course for free camping. Income taxes from all the "grandfathered in" farmers. Lucrative leases from the Canadian miners - better yet, fine them big time for pollution violations. Set up some National Guard and Coast Guard stations, a Navy port to keep our shores safe. Would be a great success.


Yeah great idea!! Like Irak and Afghanistan?

DENNIS - 10-26-2011 at 08:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Iflyfish
We should thank them for their diligence.


Thank them, Rick? These methods are one step away from body cavity searches. We'll see how understanding you are when some uniformed Oaxacan has his fingers up your butt.

In my opinion it's, as I said, harrasement and theatrics. They're fishing for reasons to turn predator, and/or they're making a misled effort to show the travelling public that they are being diligent in their efforts to keep Baja safe.

Why, Rick, do you and others ignore the fact that the police and military are orchestrated by the cartels? Why do you never address that fact? Why do you continue with your pollyanna attitude that the government authorities are out there soley for your benefit and protection?

You did the same thing with your Cd. Constitución effort, insisting that a more senior police officer, because he must be on a higher moral plateau, would take your side and put a stop to all that nasty mordida.

Some people down here deserve exactly what they get for not pulling their heads out of fantasy land and seeing the structure for what it is. Corrupt to the very core.

Police State???

bajaguy - 10-26-2011 at 08:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Iflyfish
We should thank them for their diligence. I thought we wanted drug crime stopped. I thought we wanted drugs made illegal. This is ultimately what a War on Drugs ends up with. A police state. This is what full enforcement looks like.

Iflyfish





You people have no clue what a police state is.

More

bajaguy - 10-26-2011 at 08:45 AM

More military checkpoints, more police checkpoints, more searches........

If it gets too repressive, leave the country, after all, we are guests here.

It's their country, not ours. You can't worry or do something more about someone elses problems than they do.

DENNIS - 10-26-2011 at 08:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy


You people have no clue what a police state is.



Ohhhh...but I do.

bajaguy - 10-26-2011 at 08:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy


You people have no clue what a police state is.



Ohhhh...but I do.





Maybe......ever been to Romania before the "revolution"?

sanquintinsince73 - 10-26-2011 at 08:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Iflyfish
We should thank them for their diligence.


Thank them, Rick? These methods are one step away from body cavity searches. We'll see how understanding you are when some uniformed Oaxacan has his fingers up your butt.

In my opinion it's, as I said, harrasement and theatrics. They're fishing for reasons to turn predator, and/or they're making a misled effort to show the travelling public that they are being diligent in their efforts to keep Baja safe.

Why, Rick, do you and others ignore the fact that the police and military are orchestrated by the cartels? Why do you never address that fact? Why do you continue with your pollyanna attitude that the government authorities are out there soley for your benefit and protection?

You did the same thing with your Cd. Constitución effort, insisting that a more senior police officer, because he must be on a higher moral plateau, would take your side and put a stop to all that nasty mordida.

Some people down here deserve exactly what they get for not pulling their heads out of fantasy land and seeing the structure for what it is. Corrupt to the very core.


"Uniformed Oaxacan"? You're killing me Dennis.:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

DENNIS - 10-26-2011 at 08:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Maybe......ever been to Romania before the "revolution"?


Sure. I'd HALO in for dinner with Nadia.

sanquintinsince73 - 10-26-2011 at 08:59 AM

I recall that in the past, for the most part, Americans were just waved-thru military checkpoints. Now that some Americans have been caught smuggling more than just a roach, we face a bit more scrutiny.


Mexico City – Mexico's federal police arrested a pair of U.S. citizens after finding more than two tons of marijuana in their vehicle in the northwestern state of Sinaloa, officials said.

The suspects were riding on the Mexico City-Nogales highway when they got into an accident between the town of Los Mochis and the border with the neighboring state of Sonora.

The federal police requested the assistance of medical personnel and then discovered a secret compartment in the roof where 962 packets containing more than two tons of marijuana had been stashed.

The driver of the white Ford motorhome was identified as 38-year-old Eric Michael Kubek while the other passenger was 46-year-old Rhonda Marie Glick.

Both identified themselves as U.S. citizens who live in San Diego, California.

After they received medical treatment, the two were taken into custody and the U.S. consulate in the Sonoran city of Hermosillo was notified of the arrests.

sanquintinsince73 - 10-26-2011 at 09:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Maybe......ever been to Romania before the "revolution"?


Sure. I'd HALO in for dinner with Nadia.

With knife, fork, and napkin a blazzin'?

Pompano - 10-26-2011 at 09:10 AM

Yikes.. While possibly a good drug detection method, this type of inspection does little to promote tourism in Baja, and of course when potential visitors read these network headlines ..on top of the drug wars, beheadings, and wholesale murders...they naturally decide to scrap their Baja/Mexico plans in favor of countries with less violence and more law enforcement to protect them...the tourists.

To a person, every single one of the many folks we have visited with over coffee, c-cktails, or dinners in Europe, USA, and Canada in the last year have questioned us about the terrible news they have heard about the dangers of Mexico...and why would we would even consider venturing there?

"Aren't you afraid to go to Mexico? What about all the murders?" is the standard question we are used to answering.

Over the years, I have tried to placate these fears as best I can for the area of Baja that I know, but the truth of today is...I find it increasingly difficult to persuade someone to visit our beautiful part of the world...and possibly then find out that I have put them and thier family in harm's way. Now I am more of a devil's advocater.. :rolleyes:

This news from Los Barriles does little to change things. Tourism is way, way down and that's a sad thing for Baja and it's residents.

Cisco - 10-26-2011 at 09:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Iflyfish
We should thank them for their diligence.


Thank them, Rick? These methods are one step away from body cavity searches. We'll see how understanding you are when some uniformed Oaxacan has his fingers up your butt.

In my opinion it's, as I said, harrasement and theatrics. They're fishing for reasons to turn predator, and/or they're making a misled effort to show the travelling public that they are being diligent in their efforts to keep Baja safe.

Why, Rick, do you and others ignore the fact that the police and military are orchestrated by the cartels? Why do you never address that fact? Why do you continue with your pollyanna attitude that the government authorities are out there soley for your benefit and protection?

You did the same thing with your Cd. Constitución effort, insisting that a more senior police officer, because he must be on a higher moral plateau, would take your side and put a stop to all that nasty mordida.

Some people down here deserve exactly what they get for not pulling their heads out of fantasy land and seeing the structure for what it is. Corrupt to the very core.




And to think it was "God-Bless Ollie" bumper stickers all over Coronado just 25 years ago. Praise be, he was able to import over half of the cocaine used in the U.S. for two years and never was busted.

Now, in Mexico Hillary say's we'll never stop it because there is too much money involved. The little bit's that are picked-up in searches and disregard of constitutional rights are but a pin-prick of what's flowing through and money being laundered by U.S. Banks.

The harassment factor in the U.S. of illegal stops and the ridiculousness of TSA checkpoints are only to mollify an unsuspecting populace that something is being done. It's BS. and WE are putting up with it mostly.

Iflyfish - 10-26-2011 at 09:17 AM

"You have never seen a police state"

The USofA has the largest percentage if its population in jail than any other country in the world. Drug convictions account for a large percentage of these imprisonments. http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/node/63

What you are seeing is simply enforcement of the War on Drugs. This is what it looks like carried to its logical conclusion. Those of you who support the War on Drugs aught to welcome this sort of thing. Others have already posted instances of US Citizens involved in the illegal drug trade.

I guess its not till ones own ox gets gored that one complains.

Iflyfish

David K - 10-26-2011 at 09:27 AM

Me thinks some of you should take a trip a place like Cuba or North Korea... then you will know what a 'police state' is!:light::rolleyes:

(of course, you will need to sneak away from your government spy to see what it is really like)

Cisco - 10-26-2011 at 09:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Me thinks some of you should take a trip a place like Cuba or North Korea... then you will know what a 'police state' is!:light::rolleyes:

(of course, you will need to sneak away from your government spy to see what it is really like)



David, MY government does not allow me to go to Cuba. Tried once.

Sweetwater - 10-26-2011 at 09:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano
Yikes.. While possibly a good drug detection method, this type of inspection does little to promote tourism in Baja, and of course when potential visitors read these network headlines ..on top of the drug wars, beheadings, and wholesale murders...they naturally decide to scrap their Baja/Mexico plans in favor of countries with less violence and more law enforcement to protect them...the tourists.

To a person, every single one of the many folks we have visited with over coffee, c-cktails, or dinners in Europe, USA, and Canada in the last year have questioned us about the terrible news they have heard about the dangers of Mexico...and why would we would even consider venturing there?

"Aren't you afraid to go to Mexico? What about all the murders?" is the standard question we are used to answering.

Over the years, I have tried to placate these fears as best I can for the area of Baja that I know, but the truth of today is...I find it increasingly difficult to persuade someone to visit our beautiful part of the world...and possibly then find out that I have put them and thier family in harm's way. Now I am more of a devil's advocater.. :rolleyes:

This news from Los Barriles does little to change things. Tourism is way, way down and that's a sad thing for Baja and it's residents.


I'm a noob to Baja and your post rings true to me. I've spent around 5 weeks in Baja over the past year. All my time was associated with motorcycles (Baja Mil) or on a motorcycle touring. Everyone I talk to here in the USofA thinks I was placing myself in a huge risk situation. I was very comfortable with the people and for the most part, with the military and police. But I must admit that several checkpoints were very aggressive and at least one was abusive. I'm planning to return again but watching these reports and locations closely. I would certainly not travel alone.

desertcpl - 10-26-2011 at 09:35 AM

well put Roger,

things like this will further sink tourism in Baja

maybe the intent was honorable for the deterrent to stop drugs and
guns.
The execution of this method of searching leaves alot to be desired.
the negative side fars out ways the positive in cases like this

DENNIS - 10-26-2011 at 09:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cisco

David, MY government does not allow me to go to Cuba. Tried once.


They really don't care as long as you "sneak" over there.
Another example of how screwed up things are.

Cisco - 10-26-2011 at 09:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Cisco

David, MY government does not allow me to go to Cuba. Tried once.


They really don't care as long as you "sneak" over there.
Another example of how screwed up things are.



That's for true. They wanted to impound my boat in Key West.

Check your U2U please Dennis.

bajabass - 10-26-2011 at 09:53 AM

I for one, welcome the searches. Though never patted down, that is fine as well. I do not transport drugs, ammo, or weapons. Yeah, the whole "illegal search and seizure" thing is a right some may miss down here. The people doing the transporting at the top of the list.;D
Search my truck, pat me down, anything that even attempts to keep the drugs off the streets is better than nothing! I always thank the kids at the checkpoints for doing their job!! Not really much I can do about it anyway!

Cisco - 10-26-2011 at 09:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabass
I for one, welcome the searches. Though never patted down, that is fine as well. I do not transport drugs, ammo, or weapons. Yeah, the whole "illegal search and seizure" thing is a right some may miss down here. The people doing the transporting at the top of the list.;D
Search my truck, pat me down, anything that even attempts to keep the drugs off the streets is better than nothing! I always thank the kids at the checkpoints for doing their job!! Not really much I can do about it anyway!



Agree. My comments have been regarding the illegal stops and searches NOB.

bajaguy - 10-26-2011 at 09:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Iflyfish
"You have never seen a police state"

The USofA has the largest percentage if its population in jail than any other country in the world. Drug convictions account for a large percentage of these imprisonments. http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/node/63

What you are seeing is simply enforcement of the War on Drugs. This is what it looks like carried to its logical conclusion. Those of you who support the War on Drugs aught to welcome this sort of thing. Others have already posted instances of US Citizens involved in the illegal drug trade.

I guess its not till ones own ox gets gored that one complains.

Iflyfish





I love it!!!!!.......put more of those suckers in jail and let them rot........or be like some Muslim countries and cut off their hands.....or maybe their heads........a little positive deterrent might go a long way...none of the mamby-pamby crap the US treats it's drug violators to.

bajabass - 10-26-2011 at 10:21 AM

Honestly, more criminals get away in the states because of search and seizure rights! Let TSA, DHS, CBP, FBI, ATF go to town on searches. Only the ones with something to hide need beware!!!

Cisco - 10-26-2011 at 10:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabass
Honestly, more criminals get away in the states because of search and seizure rights! Let TSA, DHS, CBP, FBI, ATF go to town on searches. Only the ones with something to hide need beware!!!




I guess you have never had your vehicle torn apart and left at the side of the road for you to put back together while the CBP laugh and leave.

I have nothing to hide either, but my fear at these jack-booted "World's Policemen" attitudes and actions.

shari - 10-26-2011 at 10:40 AM

I am not offended when they look in my purse and make guys empty their pockets and take their shoes off because it helps keep crystal meth out of our villages here.

estebanis - 10-26-2011 at 10:44 AM

We could have purchased Baja back in the mid-1800's
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadsden_Purchase

DENNIS - 10-26-2011 at 10:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by shari
I am not offended when they look in my purse and make guys empty their pockets and take their shoes off because it helps keep crystal meth out of our villages here.


Would a dealer actually be so stupid to drive into a military or police check-point with a pocket or purse full of Meth?
Are the authorities now targeting the user rather than the maker and mover?
It's hard to imagine a load of dope being stuffed into someone's pocket.

shari - 10-26-2011 at 11:12 AM

Dealers come out to the coast in cars and carry the drugs on them or in a womans purse in case of a car search which is why the military set up surprise roving checkpoints around here and now search purses and clothing....it serves as a deterrent to dealers who come to the village from Vizcaino. And if users are caught with it on them, they can be "convinced" to whisper who their dealer is....so YES, these revisions do have value on a smaller local scale to at least reduce the amount of meth getting out here.

California has check inspections

mcfez - 10-26-2011 at 11:23 AM

Sobriety Checkpoints.

"The CHP maintains these checkpoints to reduce the number of drunk drivers on our highways and diminish the amount of pain, suffering and death that result from drunk driving".

Ya ...righto! These clowns would set up "shop" in front of our bars...searching cars....and people. There still are..... drunks in the State of California. Road check points do not work......even in Mexico.

DENNIS - 10-26-2011 at 11:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Ya ...righto! These clowns would set up "shop" in front of our bars...searching cars....and people.



That, too, is harassment.

viabaja - 10-26-2011 at 03:25 PM

Police state! HaHaHAHa!! Get a life! Those who have not been to a militarized (ie a country run by the military) country have no clue. Leave your preconceived legal notions back in the US people. Understand that Mexico's legal system are both ancient and classical, based on the Greek, Roman and French legal systems. Ours as you all should know started with the Code of Hammurabi and then evolved from England.
So get used to the military check points with, yes, automatic weapons pointed in your direction. It breaks up the drive. I have a kick talking to these kids about the type of weapons they carry and what they prefer.

JESSE - 10-26-2011 at 03:29 PM

I went tru that checkpoint, nothing to complain about, kids where doing their job because there was a murder in the los cabos area and they where searching for suspects. Standard search, a few questions, get out of the car, open your trunk, and in a few cases lets see what you have inside your car.

What a bunch of crybabies.

latina - 10-26-2011 at 03:53 PM

Lucky Baja California Sur! Third lowest crime rate in Mexico. Do you think it is that much of an imposition to be checked at roadblocks by the army if you have nada to hide?

On Sunday 23rd the army captured "El Guero Layo", who is considered to be the drug boss of the narcos operating in La Paz. They had an anonymous tip that he was headed to Pichilingue and they got their man on the road to there from La Paz, along with 10 kilos of marijuana.

With all the crap the army has to deal with, do they need to worry about handling gringos with kid gloves on top of it. In addition to their historical job description now they lay their lives on the line in the war against drugs. Let them do their job as swiftly and thoroughly as possible and get on with it.. You can't have it both ways; nowadays your safety comes with a lack of privacy on the side.

tiotomasbcs - 10-26-2011 at 04:08 PM

I'm good with a little search! The Cops and Military have a tough job. Too soft and they move in!:( I was just searched here in Pescadero by a similar, small group of well armed Soldiers. General Simpatico may be aserting himself or has some tipoff? Don't feel a coldie would have been a problem. A Doobie, probably not! They were polite and thorough but my Lab didn't like them: he's usually mellow. Near the coast there could be drop offs at night I don't know about?! Helicoptr this morning patrolling n/s. I only hope this doesn't signal more drug activity. We have been fortunate for a long while!. Tio

New Fashion Line

Bomberro - 10-26-2011 at 05:13 PM

Guess we to start a new fashion line, shorts with see through pockets and glass handbags! We may get rich! Lets call it
"Checkpoint Rags"? Have to get them sewn in China and shipped to baja, and as for the short solder with the rubber gloves, we can sell silicone finger blockers so the gloved finger does not go too high!

jakecard - 10-26-2011 at 05:19 PM

This thread is Baja Nomad at its best. Stellar points, great discussion.




Jake

Lee - 10-26-2011 at 05:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jakecard
This thread is Baja Nomad at its best. Stellar points, great discussion.
Jake


Right. Got the marooon suggesting death for pot smuggling, then the cherries whining and scared.

Stay up North if you can't handle shake downs by dirty cops and the military getting personal.

Mengano - 10-26-2011 at 05:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lee
Stay up North if you can't handle shake downs by dirty cops and the military getting personal.



G20 Prep?

windgrrl - 10-26-2011 at 06:18 PM

Perhaps the groundwork is being laid for G20 security...then you'll get see what a police state looks like:

;)

http://www.wtoc.com/story/15677212/los-cabos-to-host-g20-sum...
Los Cabos to Host G20 Summit in 2012

Information contained on this page is provided by companies via press release distributed through PR Newswire, an independent third-party content provider. PR Newswire, WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

SOURCE Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau

President Felipe Calderon Selects Los Cabos as Official Host City

LOS CABOS, Mexico, Oct. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau today announced that Mexico's President Felipe Calderon has officially selected Los Cabos as the host city for the 2012 G20 Summit, which will be held in June 2012. The President made the announcement at a press conference held in Mexico last Thursday. The destination's first-class hotel and airport infrastructure were noted as two important factors in the decision.

"Los Cabos is extremely proud and honored to be selected as the official host city for the G20 Summit as this is an incredible opportunity for our destination as well as for the country of Mexico," says Gonzalo Franyutti, President of the Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Los Cabos has the exclusive appeal, a contemporary tourism infrastructure and the safety record required to host an event of this global caliber. As a haven for VIPs throughout the world, Los Cabos is truly the 'Window to the World' for Mexico. We look forward to welcoming the G20 delegates and attendees to our destination."

With 13,000 total rooms in the destination, Los Cabos will dedicate 11,000 rooms to the G20 Summit to accommodate the more than 7,000 attendees, while the Mexican government will invest more than $47,000,000 into the development and promotion of the Summit.

In addition, a new 653,400 square foot Convention Center will house the G20 meetings and events. Designed to accommodate over 6,000 people, the Convention Center represents $100,000,000 investment by the federal government and a $1,500,000 investment from the State of Baja California Sur. The municipality of Los Cabos endowed a 15-acre tract of land, which is located alongside a private golf community and boasts magnificent views for the building of the Convention Center, and the Los Cabos Tourism Board has also invested almost $1,000,000 in the project. The Convention Center will be designated a "green" facility, and will be designed with energy efficiency in mind and will be equipped with solar panels. Construction of the center is set to begin during the first week of November.

©2011 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.

dtbushpilot - 10-26-2011 at 06:56 PM

I went through the surprise checkpoint on the dirt road North out of Los Barriles on Sunday with our friends from Calif. behind us. The usual where are you from, where are you going and waved us on. I told him my amigo was behind me and he didn't stop him. On the way back we were waved through. Nothing unusual, no problem, no empty pockets. Took same friends to the SJD airport today, 2 police road blocks along the way, waved through both coming and going. Was chatted up a bit by one guy because the semi in front of me was held up briefly, not questions just chatting, no problems with the police either....like always.

Did you actually get searched Bomberro or hear about it from someone else?

[Edited on 10-27-2011 by dtbushpilot]

Baja vs USA checkpoints

RonnieRockCod - 10-26-2011 at 07:03 PM

Apparently some of you folks think that searching purses and empting pockets at Baja checkpoints constitutes a police state. What then, would you call a country that requires airline passengers to remove their shoes, including children wearing rubber thongs, patting down Nuns wearing habit, disasemblance of a wheelchair of a handicap person, subjecting women to a physical pat ( read that "rub") down and others to X-ray type body scans and even a search through the diaper of a nine month old child ?

I ask that those of you who live in Baja that objects to purse and pocket searches and feel they are unreasonable and indicative of a "police state" why on earth do you live there? Good luck to all. RRC.

BajaBlanca - 10-26-2011 at 07:04 PM

it may be on a small scale, as some have said, but for sure it is a deterrant and I, for one, would hate to have more drugs showing up in the villages...

and it is good that sometimes their M.O. changes - targeting grigoes , the targeting Mexicans, then reverting back .... keeps everyone who is breaking the law on their toes, while causing us non dealers some grief timewise.

slimshady - 10-26-2011 at 09:39 PM

On Saturday I took the coastal road from Los Barriles to Cardonal and had one check point along the dirt road near the Punta Pescadora Hotel. Another Near Cardonal. As we Drove along Boca Del Alamo to los Planes we encountered one along the way near Los Planes heading towards Bahia de los Suenos. After having lunch we went through the same check point again. We took highway 1 again through San Bartolo and encounterd another check point. The asked us to step out looked around the toyota. Asked us where we were going and where we came from. Very polite and professional. It is apparent they were on weekend duty.

DENNIS - 10-27-2011 at 07:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by slimshady
Very polite and professional. It is apparent they were on weekend duty.


Brought back memories of the past before Mexico had a war to keep the military busy.
On days that called for a parade, such as Independence Day, the Army and Navy would have a company of men marching down the street right behind the Charros and their horses which deposited land-mines for the folowing marchers to avoid.
Point is, many were weekenders and didn't even have uniforms, but they strutted proudly, none the less.
It was a more simple time.....which I miss.

Cypress - 10-27-2011 at 07:37 AM

Some neighborhoods complain of high crime rates and lack of police protection, then when the police step-up their presence they call it harassment. Sounds like the same old story right here.:bounce:

DENNIS - 10-27-2011 at 07:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cypress
Some neighborhoods complain of high crime rates and lack of police protection, then when the police step-up their presence they call it harassment. Sounds like the same old story right here.:bounce:


Perhaps the stepped-up presence isn't addressing their problems. :light:

Ateo - 10-27-2011 at 07:59 AM

At least no one got shot in the head by a rubber bullet or tear gassed.

CortezBlue - 10-27-2011 at 08:03 AM

These type of posts remind me of playing Post Office as a kid.

I have no doubts that there was some sort of stop and folks were searched, but I am sure by the time it gets to this post it has been changed up and inflated to be a bit more dramatic.

sanquintinsince73 - 10-27-2011 at 08:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by RonnieRockCod
Apparently some of you folks think that searching purses and empting pockets at Baja checkpoints constitutes a police state. What then, would you call a country that requires airline passengers to remove their shoes, including children wearing rubber thongs, patting down Nuns wearing habit, disasemblance of a wheelchair of a handicap person, subjecting women to a physical pat ( read that "rub") down and others to X-ray type body scans and even a search through the diaper of a nine month old child ?

I ask that those of you who live in Baja that objects to purse and pocket searches and feel they are unreasonable and indicative of a "police state" why on earth do you live there? Good luck to all. RRC.


Best point made so far.

David K - 10-27-2011 at 08:08 AM

:light:

DENNIS - 10-27-2011 at 08:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by RonnieRockCod
I ask that those of you who live in Baja that objects to purse and pocket searches and feel they are unreasonable and indicative of a "police state" why on earth do you live there? Good luck to all. RRC.


From my point of view, the purse and pocket searches would be more reasonable if the rest of the drug interdiction effort was as efficient, but it isn't. A treacherous collusion between factions of the government and the cartels has produced a war that can only be resolved by stalemate. In other words, the people lose, and for that reason, I find it hard to accept that the government will divert attention from their failure to little chickensht efforts, such as purse searches, to give an illusion of the good fight in progress.

I'm to the point now that I simply don't care who grows what and sells it to whom. There's nothing my indignation will do except to stress me out, so if the authorities can't control it, the market will.

Now....or soon....the US government and the Mexican government can sit down at a table and say to each other, "We did it to ourselves. We have succeeded in ushering in the moral decay of two great societies which trusted us with their well-being."

They should be sooo proud.


.

BajaGringo - 10-27-2011 at 08:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by RonnieRockCod
I ask that those of you who live in Baja that objects to purse and pocket searches and feel they are unreasonable and indicative of a "police state" why on earth do you live there? Good luck to all. RRC.


From my point of view, the purse and pocket searches would be more reasonable if the rest of the drug interdiction effort was as efficient, but it isn't. A treacherous collusion between factions of the government and the cartels has produced a war that can only be resolved by stalemate. In other words, the people lose, and for that reason, I find it hard to accept that the government will divert attention from their failure to little chickensht efforts, such as purse searches, to give an illusion of the good fight in progress.

I'm to the point now that I simply don't care who grows what and sells it to whom. There's nothing my indignation will do except to stress me out, so if the authorities can't control it, the market will.

Now....or soon....the US government and the Mexican government can sit down at a table and say to each other, "We did it to ourselves. We have succeeded in ushering in the moral decay of two great societies which trusted us with their well-being."

They should be sooo proud.


.



Touche...

bajabass - 10-27-2011 at 08:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by RonnieRockCod
I ask that those of you who live in Baja that objects to purse and pocket searches and feel they are unreasonable and indicative of a "police state" why on earth do you live there? Good luck to all. RRC.


From my point of view, the purse and pocket searches would be more reasonable if the rest of the drug interdiction effort was as efficient, but it isn't. A treacherous collusion between factions of the government and the cartels has produced a war that can only be resolved by stalemate. In other words, the people lose, and for that reason, I find it hard to accept that the government will divert attention from their failure to little chickensht efforts, such as purse searches, to give an illusion of the good fight in progress.

I'm to the point now that I simply don't care who grows what and sells it to whom. There's nothing my indignation will do except to stress me out, so if the authorities can't control it, the market will.

Now....or soon....the US government and the Mexican government can sit down at a table and say to each other, "We did it to ourselves. We have succeeded in ushering in the moral decay of two great societies which trusted us with their well-being."

They should be sooo proud.


.


I agree whole-heartedly Dennis! Starting to look like a death spiral. Though, if the petty searches keep even a little of the dope away from kids and schools, keep it up! A day will come when the war on drugs truly begins. I just hope I'm still alive to see it happen.

Lee - 10-27-2011 at 10:47 AM

Here, here. Moral decay? Death spiral? How about some perspective folks? Some tourist gets nervous with the military having a weapon, another gets nervous about a purse search. Guess these folks haven't been through airport security since 911. I've wondered for years why checkpoints don't search purses, and have people empty their pockets. Is this an outrage in Baja because it isn't a common procedure?

My impression of checkpoints: troops are looking for large amounts of drugs -- or a roach in the ashtray. Or a gun. They're bored and tired. I think tourists are recognized as tourists. Sometimes I encounter a slight authoritative attitude but mostly professional men doing their job. Can't speak to what happened in Los Barriles but purse searches and empty pockets do happen in Baja -- along with opportunistic cops wanting to supplement their minimum wage incomes. I don't think the military are opportunistic.

Nothing in this thread demonstrates a pandemic of corruption against gringoes. If searches are less than professional from time to time, that's luck of the draw. It's just not a big deal.

Probably close to 100% of people I know who know I'm in Baja ask me: is it safe? Aren't you scared?

krafty - 10-27-2011 at 10:53 AM

Unless you have something to hide, NONE of this should be an issue

DENNIS - 10-27-2011 at 11:03 AM

Perhaps if the US was out there running their hands through peoples pockets for no apparent reason, the consummer end of the issue would be different.

And....that "airport" reasoning is pure BS. Without getting into the over-zealous aspect of the searches, there is the airplane to consider. [no reminders necessary]

Ya see....as I've said here a million times before, if we would do some alterations on the Bill of Rights, much of this nonsense would never be happening.



.

[Edited on 10-27-2011 by DENNIS]

motoged - 10-27-2011 at 11:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
some alterations on the Bill of Rights, much of this nonsense would never be happening.[Edited on 10-27-2011 by DENNIS]


What changes would be helpful (NOT trying to be a smart a**) ?:?:

DENNIS - 10-27-2011 at 11:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
What changes would be helpful (NOT trying to be a smart a**) ?:?:



They could start by redefining "illegal search and seizure."
They could move on by curtailing rights for criminals.
They could consider looking into plea bargains as justice served.

Then...they could ban the ACLU or send them all up to Canada.

After all that, life will begin to be good for the good. :biggrin:

DENNIS - 10-27-2011 at 11:18 AM

Ohhhh yeah....forgot to say, that's just my very humble opinion.
Thanks for listening.

bajabass - 10-27-2011 at 11:18 AM

For starters, anyone with a felony conviction, especially drug related offenses, has NO search and seizure rights!!!!

Pompano - 10-27-2011 at 12:19 PM

Personal searches, you say?

Sometimes...after a long and lonely drive on the Baja Road...it's nice to have some attention.

But..there's attention..and then there's ATTENTION.


As mi amigo, John, is saying here:

"Oof-Da! Senor, can't you get a nice senorita with warm, soft hands to do this?"




p.s. dont' sweat the small stuff...it's a far different world.

bajabass - 10-27-2011 at 12:27 PM

Looks like the air strip by San Bruno/Mulege. Great photo Pompano!!!!:biggrin:

motoged - 10-27-2011 at 01:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
What changes would be helpful (NOT trying to be a smart a**) ?:?:

They could start by redefining "illegal search and seizure."
They could move on by curtailing rights for criminals.
They could consider looking into plea bargains as justice served.

Then...they could ban the ACLU or send them all up to Canada.

After all that, life will begin to be good for the good. :biggrin:


ACLU: National organization advocating individual rights...

Okay, now I am really confused:?:

I thought that this whole "Rights" business was a mainstay of US citizenry discussions. Are you suggesting that folks should have fewer rights and that lawyers and such ilk are creating problems? Or are you suggesting we need to have more advocates for "Our Rights" up here in the balmy provinces of Canada?

Pompano - 10-27-2011 at 01:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabass
Looks like the air strip by San Bruno/Mulege. Great photo Pompano!!!!:biggrin:


Close, but no cigar, bajabass...it's the Loreto airport, circa 1980's. Things looked quite different back then. ;D

DENNIS - 10-27-2011 at 02:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
I thought that this whole "Rights" business was a mainstay of US citizenry discussions. Are you suggesting that folks should have fewer rights and that lawyers and such ilk are creating problems?


Not 'folks." Criminals. Our Bill of Rights has too often been a "get out of jail free card." Liberal lawyers practice the fine art of civil liberties interpretation and, in many cases, are responsible for justice denied only because someone forgot to wipe a prisoners butt at the alloted time.

OK....I'm done taking your bait. I think you know exactly what I mean.

Lee - 10-27-2011 at 02:33 PM

Not sure where any discussion about US Bill of Rights is going regarding MX military searches.

Baja is under Napoleonic law and non-Mexicans have limited rights. The extent and detail of military searches are at the discretion of the senior ranking officer in charge at the scene. (Napoleonic meaning you are guilty until you prove otherwise -- or have money.)

That probably angers some gringoes.

The military are made up of humans. Some wake up cranky. They deserve some slack.

White, privileged gringoes -- those with the sense of entitlement attitude -- have the most trouble with this scenario.

DENNIS - 10-27-2011 at 04:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Perhaps if the US was out there running their hands through peoples pockets for no apparent reason, the consummer end of the issue would be different.

And....that "airport" reasoning is pure BS. Without getting into the over-zealous aspect of the searches, there is the airplane to consider. [no reminders necessary]

Ya see....as I've said here a million times before, if we would do some alterations on the Bill of Rights, much of this nonsense would never be happening..




I think it started right about here, Lee.

motoged - 10-27-2011 at 04:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
OK....I'm done taking your bait. I think you know exactly what I mean.


Dennis,
I am not doing that here....sincere questions. :saint:

Thanks for explaining. As I don't know you or the political leanings for some BN's, I was simply being curious.

While I tend to generally lean a bit left of centre, I am also not that sympathetic to criminals (I have worked with my share of them as a professional and smell their BS a mile away).

When it comes to "baiting"....my style is clearly sarcastic or simply bashing my opponents with the best wit/insults available at any given moment....you won't need to read between the lines :biggrin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=650dskq-wHU

Dennis nice to see your posts!

Bomberro - 10-27-2011 at 04:49 PM

There have been several intrusions by the Mexican military. Last week, its been kept a secret, a Canadian that has a storage facillity in La Paz, cars, boats and plane old storage units, was awakend in the night by solders with face masks, and auto weapons. They had of course had a tip off, a storage unit with a car inside was full of bags of pot. They then opened every unit, and did not find any other drugs. Scary moments for the owner, I have left my car there to fly up to the States, great service, hope he does not suscumb to the danger.....Remember wear shorts with see through pockets and glass hand bags,,,,,don't ever have drugs in your possession, its ok for locals, but very bad for tourists....Wine is good and so is Pacificos....

DENNIS - 10-27-2011 at 05:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
While I tend to generally lean a bit left of centre, I am also not that sympathetic to criminals (I have worked with my share of them as a professional and smell their BS a mile away).



Thanks for that, ged. As for me.......I sometimes lean so far to the right that I have to strap helper wheels to my head.
I think the political climate of Nomad would ride the fence, but the most vocal proponants are kept in the dark side, OT.

vandy - 10-28-2011 at 05:14 AM

As far as ANY searches by people with the authority to arrest me:
"You know, I LOVE fishing...except where I'm the FISH!"

Hey Dennis

Baja Bernie - 10-28-2011 at 07:32 AM

Latched on to this post 'cause Jaime and I are heading south for three weeks and I thought I would see what was what...Welll! Do you remember when I caught hell because I hinted that, perhaps, Baja was changing a bit to fast...

Anyway, we'll take along a tiny, bitty, purse so that the searches do not take to much of our precious Baja Time...

So if you see an old Honda CRV with license plates...'MI BAJA" honk and say hi...

You'al still do that sort of thing down there...DON'T YOU???

First stop will be Juan and Shari's place so Jaime can fish and I can just loaf and wander along the beach and visit with the folks...

You all have a wonderful and carefree day.

DENNIS - 10-29-2011 at 08:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Baja Bernie
So if you see an old Honda CRV with license plates...'MI BAJA" honk and say hi...

You'al still do that sort of thing down there...DON'T YOU???



Sure do, Bernie. I'm gonna grab my tent and live by the side of the road just south of Maneadero just so I can wave, spill my beer and yell "HI" to you and Jaime when you pass by.

Vaya con Díos, Amigo. Have a good, safe trip. Say "HI" to Shari while you're at it, please.

DENNIS - 10-29-2011 at 08:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ridge



WOW....This is a little much for a first date. :o



.