Anonymous - 11-6-2004 at 07:18 AM
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20041031-9...
Pamphlet outlines rights in Mexico
By Anna Cearley
October 31, 2004
TIJUANA ? The first edition of the Tourist Legal Guide was so popular, it disappeared faster than a margarita on a hot summer night.
Now the city of Tijuana has released a second edition of the 11-page pamphlet, which can be picked up at stores and kiosks along Avenida Revolucion,
the Tijuana street that is a top tourist destination south of the border.
The pamphlet was created in Mexico two years ago after public safety officials on both sides of the border concluded that U.S. tourists were getting
into trouble because they didn't know their rights in Mexico.
Some of the 7,000 copies of the latest edition also are being distributed north of the border at universities, police departments and the Mexican
consulate. Half are in English and half are in Spanish.
"We want tourists to know their rights and obligations," said Marisol Manzanos, a Tijuana administrator who oversees international issues.
The brochure explains what a tourist should do if a police officer solicits a bribe. It lists some of the more common city infractions, and their
corresponding fines, and explains the municipal judge system.
In the latest edition, the pamphlet reminds tourists they can only buy controlled medications after obtaining a prescription from a Mexican doctor. It
includes a list of these substances, such as the tranquilizers diazepam and lorazepam.
About a quarter of all arrests of U.S. citizens outside of their country take place in Tijuana, said David Stewart, who is head of the U.S. Consulate
General in Tijuana.
"There is a lot of foolish behavior associated with young people, alcohol and pharmacies," he said after a news conference on Avenida Revolucion last
week announcing the pamphlet's second edition. He and Tijuana city officials later strolled the street, handing out pamphlets to tourists.
U.S. Consul officials said they will distribute at least 5,000 more of the brochures in English, which are being paid for separately through U.S.
funds.
Visitors also can find the pamphlet information in English on the city of Tijuana's Web site. After entering the site, click "Informaci?n Tur?stica"
on the left side. The address is: http://www.tijuana.gob.mx