BajaNomad

Video of border shakedown from a couple of weeks ago.

vandy - 1-31-2021 at 02:45 PM

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oQMCD3Srm10&t=13s

Looks like this couple forgot to bring their brass balls.
I hope their trip down Baja is going better now.

JZ - 1-31-2021 at 03:05 PM

They didn't even make a counter offer.

David K - 1-31-2021 at 03:19 PM

Wow, first problem they missed in their research is not filling their fuel can, before crossing the border!

Next, they didn't go to the parking area before the gates and building to get their FMMs first.

If the CBD stuff is legal then they should have been vigilant and insist on seeing the comandante or person in charge. They were scared and thus easy bait. Appearances played a big part in him being picked on is my guess. I bet the officer was expecting to find all sorts of pot on board!

Did they think they could find an immigration office by driving the back streets of Tijuana? As for the motorcycle cop pulling them over...
Why weren't they wearing seatbelts? That on is a no brainer.

Thanks Vandy for posting that! I wonder how the rest of their trip went???

JZ - 1-31-2021 at 03:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  


Appearances played a big part in him being picked on is my guess. I bet the officer was expecting to find all sorts of pot on board!


Having tats on the back of your hands is never a good sign.

mtgoat666 - 1-31-2021 at 03:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by vandy  
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oQMCD3Srm10&t=13s

Looks like this couple forgot to bring their brass balls.
I hope their trip down Baja is going better now.


They are obviously idiots. The chick wears her mask over her mouth but not over her nose - this is 100% certain sign of idiocy. How stupid do you have to be to (1) not know that the mask is ineffective when not covering face, (2) not realize your mask has slipped off your nose, and (3) see your idiocy in the video and fail to edit it out.

del mar - 1-31-2021 at 03:45 PM

welcome to mexico! seems like a nice couple hope they're having a wonderful time and find some waves and fish taco's:coolup:

BajaRun - 1-31-2021 at 04:31 PM

Baja Rookies. Good learning experience. The price of admission is different for everyone. They seem happy though

BajaNomad - 1-31-2021 at 04:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by vandy  
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oQMCD3Srm10



ReTire - 1-31-2021 at 05:46 PM

Yup, they got profiled.

The girl should have started screaming “he grabbed my butt! He grabbed my butt”.

Seems like there should some sort of ‘sting operation’ the powers in charge could do. Bust a couple of these corrupt authorities and publicize it. Bet things would improve.

I volunteer to be the gringo crossing and traveling Baja with the Federales and FBI backing me up!

geoffff - 1-31-2021 at 06:53 PM

As a counterpoint, every time I cross the border going down into Mexico, my anxiety is through the roof. It takes me a full 24 hours to chill the f*** out and get back into my Mexico groove.

With all that adrenaline in my blood, it's easy to forget little things like my seatbelt when navigating the border crossing. And at least for Mexicali, they certainly don't make it easy to get into the immigration parking area. (Yeah, I know they were in Tijuana.)

And, about arguing the CBD -- what if you somehow misunderstood the law? The looming possibility of a drug bust (Mexican jail etc.) is pretty scary.

I would not have attempted bringing CBD over the border, or would at least have put it out of sight.

Geoff

[Edited on 2-1-2021 by geoffff]

JZ - 1-31-2021 at 07:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by geoffff  
As a counterpoint, every time I cross the border going down into Mexico, my anxiety is through the roof. It takes me a full 24 hours to chill the f*** out and get back into my Mexico groove.

With all that adrenaline in my blood, it's easy to forget little things like my seatbelt when navigating the border crossing. And at least for Mexicali, they certainly don't make it easy to get into the immigration parking area. (Yeah, I know they were in Tijuana.)

And, about arguing the CBD -- what if you somehow misunderstood the law? The looming possibility of a drug bust (Mexican jail etc.) is pretty scary.

I would not have attempted bringing CBD over the border, or would at least have put it out of sight.

Geoff

[Edited on 2-1-2021 by geoffff]


Agree with all this. I'm much less anxious about crossing at Mexicali, still nervous, but it's significantly higher at TJ. I avoid TJ as much as possible.

The openness of the 5 puts me in a Baja mood much quicker.

advrider - 1-31-2021 at 07:13 PM

Don't think I would have tried to bring the CBD at all. They have video of the guy why not share it with the fraud hotline? Seemed obvious that the guy was scamming them by the way he was trying to hurry them up and get the money.
I've only crossed at Tecate and think I will keep it that way.

motoged - 1-31-2021 at 07:39 PM

It's tough to be an "Expedition Influencer", eh.

Bajazly - 1-31-2021 at 08:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged  
It's tough to be an "Expedition Influencer", eh.


Note to van lifers and overlanders, stay the ef out of Mexico and don't get hassled!

matthew_mangus - 1-31-2021 at 09:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by geoffff  
As a counterpoint, every time I cross the border going down into Mexico, my anxiety is through the roof. It takes me a full 24 hours to chill the f*** out and get back into my Mexico groove.

With all that adrenaline in my blood, it's easy to forget little things like my seatbelt when navigating the border crossing. And at least for Mexicali, they certainly don't make it easy to get into the immigration parking area.

Geoff


Isn't the INM office parking area just on the L before crossing through? I haven't crossed at Mexicali yet and was researching where to pick up the FMM forms and it seemed straightforward enough. Is that not the case? I hear you on the anxiety though.

geoffff - 1-31-2021 at 09:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by matthew_mangus  
I haven't crossed at Mexicali yet and was researching where to pick up the FMM forms and it seemed straightforward enough. Is that not the case?

It's Mexicali East I'm whining about. There is a convenient exit lane to the right after the border inspection that leads to a nice parking are for paying fees and obtaining permits -- but it's always blocked off! To get into the parking area you need go farther down, and to make a sharp right hand turn the wrong way into the parking area exit lane. I'm always afraid I'm going to break a tire when my right-rear rear wheel hops that nasty 1-foot high curb they have there.

Doesn't help with the adrenaline.



tecatero - 2-1-2021 at 07:10 AM

Wow,,,,,the new age Baja journey people , I’m just gonna be quiet

bajaric - 2-1-2021 at 09:25 AM

Rookies!
That should be a case study of how to get shaken down by the cops in TJ: Grow some dreadlocks and get some tattoos. Place attractive wife in front seat in revealing tight top. Stock expensive van full of cbd oil in plain sight. Then, get a big wad of pesos and keep it in your wallet for easy access!

On the bright side, the ad revenue from that YouTube video should almost pay for the five hundred bucks they just donated to the Tijuana police Christmas fund. Or was that the border police? I could not tell. I always thought the border inspection people were above that, or would not dare to do a shake down in such a public place.

[Edited on 2-1-2021 by bajaric]

Ateo - 2-1-2021 at 10:08 AM

I'm sure they were able to hook up some more "CBD" shortly thereafter. Just another sad travesty that is our world's ridiculous drug laws.

matthew_mangus - 2-1-2021 at 10:28 AM

Quote: Originally posted by geoffff  
Quote: Originally posted by matthew_mangus  
I haven't crossed at Mexicali yet and was researching where to pick up the FMM forms and it seemed straightforward enough. Is that not the case?

It's Mexicali East I'm whining about. There is a convenient exit lane to the right after the border inspection that leads to a nice parking are for paying fees and obtaining permits -- but it's always blocked off! To get into the parking area you need go farther down, and to make a sharp right hand turn the wrong way into the parking area exit lane. I'm always afraid I'm going to break a tire when my right-rear rear wheel hops that nasty 1-foot high curb they have there.

Doesn't help with the adrenaline.





Thanks for the diagram. That's super helpful! :cool:

David K - 2-1-2021 at 11:13 AM

Quote: Originally posted by matthew_mangus  
Quote: Originally posted by geoffff  
As a counterpoint, every time I cross the border going down into Mexico, my anxiety is through the roof. It takes me a full 24 hours to chill the f*** out and get back into my Mexico groove.

With all that adrenaline in my blood, it's easy to forget little things like my seatbelt when navigating the border crossing. And at least for Mexicali, they certainly don't make it easy to get into the immigration parking area.

Geoff



Isn't the INM office parking area just on the L before crossing through? I haven't crossed at Mexicali yet and was researching where to pick up the FMM forms and it seemed straightforward enough. Is that not the case? I hear you on the anxiety though.


Mexicali West (aka #1) downtown, the parking area is on the LEFT, BEFORE the electric gates. However, my last trip through there (2019) we all pulled over after the gates, along the right and walked across the entrance lanes to the building for INM.

[Edited on 2-1-2021 by David K]

defrag4 - 2-2-2021 at 02:04 AM

what a bunch of jokers

I randomly saw these guys earlier today in Loreto, pegged them as marks the second i saw them and then found this thread tonight... lol

I dont feel bad seeing instagram vanlife yuppies getting fleeced by every cop down here, especially with that dramatic ass youtube thumbnail... you guys got taken for some cash for being dumb asses, not kidnapped by the cartel

broooo we cant bring drugs into mexico brooo? what the hell bro! :lol: :rolleyes:

at least hide your chit like a normal human being...


[Edited on 2-2-2021 by defrag4]

Mulege Canuck - 2-2-2021 at 06:10 AM

Quote: Originally posted by geoffff  
As a counterpoint, every time I cross the border going down into Mexico, my anxiety is through the roof. It takes me a full 24 hours to chill the f*** out and get back into my Mexico groove.

With all that adrenaline in my blood, it's easy to forget little things like my seatbelt when navigating the border crossing. And at least for Mexicali, they certainly don't make it easy to get into the immigration parking area. (Yeah, I know they were in Tijuana.)

And, about arguing the CBD -- what if you somehow misunderstood the law? The looming possibility of a drug bust (Mexican jail etc.) is pretty scary.

I would not have attempted bringing CBD over the border, or would at least have put it out of sight.

Geoff

[Edited on 2-1-2021 by geoffff]


I was sheeting my pants first time I drove over the border. I still get nervous as Geoff noted until I down my first fish taco.

Skipjack Joe - 2-2-2021 at 06:22 AM

Classic case of Mexican extortion. And it's not over for them. Their van will be targeted by the police all up and down highway 1. The belief here is that all Americans are rich. They're just spreading the wealth. It's almost like being taxed, in their minds. Disgraceful!!!

And yes, the seat belt is total bullchit. I know of no Mexican that ever wears a seatbelt nor of any record of any getting cited for it. What record? These 'transactions' are never documented.

Howard - 2-2-2021 at 09:58 AM

Now that's funny!
Quote: Originally posted by defrag4  


broooo we cant bring drugs into mexico brooo? what the hell bro! :lol: :rolleyes:

at least hide your chit like a normal human being...


[Edited on 2-2-2021 by defrag4]

Borregoman - 2-2-2021 at 05:49 PM

Not a cell of common sense between the two of them.

Look in the mirror folks, you look like druggies and you are bringing down CBD, what did you expect.

No sympathy what so ever.

RocketJSquirrel - 2-3-2021 at 04:04 PM

Sometimes I doubt the veracity of these stories and even wonder if they might have been staged. There are numerous issues with this video, some mentioned above. These kinds of stories were popular with online forums and YouTube videos when I lived in Thailand and I heard constant and sometimes spectacular "shakedown" stories. But after living there for 12 years (Not VISITING, but living). I never once had a cop ask for or indicate a bribe was needed/wanted. Where I lived, as well as going in and out of the country regularly, as well as annually renewing my visa and doing the required 90-day check-ins. No problems.

I've lived in BC now for 7.5 years and while I am sure there are some issues, again... I've never had an inappropriate interaction with an official. Of, couse, I am sure they DO happen, but I suspect the frequency of which we are informed, is way out of proportion with reality.

What better way to help your blog take off than a sensational shake down story! And people will paste links to your video!! Who wants to read a story about going to Mexico (or anywhere) and everything was fine. Drama sells, or gets you clicks, or keeps eyeballs on the page longer.

We have to get real about media manipulation of our understanding of the real world out there. And how the media "influencers" do not have our best interests at heart, as they so lovingly tell us.

Are there really big and nasty problems out there? Of course! Have I been super lucky? You bet! Have we seen/read far more BS than is really going on? More than likely.

[b]visible display of wealth[/b]

verichip - 2-4-2021 at 12:48 PM

do not walk into a casa de cambio and change $900 each
The fat lady behind the counter most likely called her primo at the border and reported the visible display of wealth

no no no
Read at 2:39
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kETAmbSB_PM

cbd? what is that?

Never seen a dog or pero detector headed south.

[Edited on 2-4-2021 by verichip]

Quote "Never seen a dog or pero detector headed south."

AKgringo - 2-4-2021 at 01:21 PM

I have! Headed south at the San Ignacio check point, a handler with a dog was headed over to my vehicle, but was waved off by the officer in charge when my ninety pound bully breed went on alert.

The only other dog experience was north bound when they first set up an inspection station near Gonzaga bay a few years back. I wish I had a picture of the soldier with a rifle on his shoulder and an alert dog on a leash, but it was my previous dog that a soldier volunteered to hold the leash while i was opening containers for the inspection!

motoged - 2-4-2021 at 01:36 PM

Dog at Tecate going south two years ago....
As others have said, sometimes crossing borders is nerve-wracking.

I had my moto in box of truck and regular clothes, gear, kitchen camping stuff.....the guy was keen on trying to find serial # of bike, etc.....I saw the dog and puckered up a bit....and focussed on being polite and getting in for FFM....

It all worked out with no problem.....seemed the G shepherd type mutt has muy tranquillo about his job.... or had a sinus blockage that day...:biggrin:

Frozen blocks of ice work better than cubes for managing your cooler :coolup:

geoffff - 2-4-2021 at 02:01 PM

They dog-searched the interior of my van heading south at Mexicali East a year ago.

motoged - 2-4-2021 at 02:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by defrag4  


at least hide your chit like a normal human being...

[Edited on 2-2-2021 by defrag4]


:yes: X2

bajagregg - 2-4-2021 at 03:22 PM

I was towing a boat at the Tijuana crossing several years ago and got a red light. While chatting with the agent and showing him all of the car, boat, and trailer documentation, another agent walks by with a dog that was sniffing around. I was intrigued and asked the guy why they were looking for drugs headed south. He told me the dog was trained to alert on money, not drugs. Makes sense.

bkbend - 2-4-2021 at 04:40 PM

I've seen a dog with handler at Mexicali East in the past. They weren't checking incoming traffic, just wandering the parking lot when I went from INM to the bank.

I also had a dog walk around my truck at a military checkpoint. My son was with me and after we left the checkpoint I commented that I'd never seen a dog before. He said they must not be checking for herbal material because he had some in his pocket. After screaming at him we decided they were probably just trying to get someone to react to the threat of detection... somewhat like the folks in the video.

pacificobob - 2-4-2021 at 04:59 PM

I've been told by Mexican border personnel that cash and guns are their primary southbound focus. of course if you look like a "trustafarian" with tats, a bun and an expensive rig it's open season.


geoffff - 2-4-2021 at 05:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajagregg  
I was intrigued and asked the guy why they were looking for drugs headed south. He told me the dog was trained to alert on money, not drugs. Makes sense.


That's very interesting, and would explain ... some things.

motoged - 2-4-2021 at 05:18 PM

It's a roll of the dice.... some risks are best approached with caution.

Several years ago, when crossing north, was stopped at Military checkpoint south of Mexicali. A soldier had a metal coat hanger that was straightened out. He was poking it into the stake holes in truck bed and , when he pulled it out of each hole, he smelled it like he was sampling a fine wine or brandy....and each sniff was accompanied by a sly smile with fake appreciation for a good terpine moment....while waiting for my reaction.

:lol::lol::lol:

And the US customs in Mexicali had me in secondary for 45 minutes with no one or dog coming up to my truck with me still inside for that duration.... I eventually got out of truck and asked agents what was up.

With a look of total disinterest, they told me I could leave.

Snake eyes.

[Edited on 2-5-2021 by motoged]

[Edited on 2-5-2021 by motoged]

Mulege Canuck - 2-4-2021 at 06:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged  
It's a roll of the dice.... some risks are best approached with caution.

Several years ago, when crossing north, was stopped at Military checkpoint south of Mexicali. A soldier had a metal coat hanger that was straightened out. He was poking it into the stake holes in truck bed and , when he pulled it out of each hole, he smelled it like he was sampling a fine wine or brandy....and each sniff was accompanied by a sly smile with fake appreciation for a good terpine moment....while waiting for my reaction.

:lol::lol::lol:

And the US customs in Mexicali had me in secondary for 45 minutes with no one or dog coming up to my truck with me still inside for that duration.... I eventually got out of truck and asked agents what was up.

With a look of total disinterest, they told me I could leave.

Snake eyes.

[Edited on 2-5-2021 by motoged]

[Edited on 2-5-2021 by motoged]


That exactly what happened to us. We sat in the truck for about an hour. No one came up to us to look in the truck. Like you did I walked up and asked the nearest border agent. He said sure you can go.

I was a little peeed until I talked with the border guard 60 m ahead at the final booth. He was so funny. So folks do you have any weapons of mass destruction, machine guns or drugs ? We laughed and he welcomed us to the USA.

Great guy.

advrider - 2-4-2021 at 08:08 PM

I think the squirrel nailed it, they need people to see their video to make money.... The money may have been payment for some bad acting, look at how they posed for the video, really, bags on your head!
Same as most here, I've never had a problem or been shaken down. A couple of years ago there we eight of us on motos riding in pairs with a gap between each group. We were running over the speed limit going down South out of Ensenada when a police car pulled up to us with light and sirens in the lane next to us. We finally figured out that they wanted us ridding in single file, not staggered as we were? No ticket, didn't even tell us to slow down...Maybe I've been lucky to, all of my interaction have been good.

AKgringo - 2-4-2021 at 08:35 PM

I got stung on the west side of La Paz near Walmart in spring of 2013. The charge was failing to stop for a yellow light, although he did not pull over the two cars that followed me through. He used the "Hostage driver's license" and threat of a trip to court, or pay the fine right there with no record hook.

On the next trip in the fall of 2014, I got stopped again on the same stretch, but did not pay the fine. I told him "No mordida" and to give me a ticket or let me go. He let me go!

geoffff - 2-4-2021 at 10:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
I told him "No mordida"


Using those words? That's pretty ballsy!

AKgringo - 2-5-2021 at 08:40 AM

Quote: Originally posted by geoffff  
Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
I told him "No mordida"


Using those words? That's pretty ballsy!


I gave you the short version, but yes I used the word "mordida'. My Spanish skill is terrible, but in my best Spanglish, I declined the offer to pay on the spot. When he asked in English "You want a ticket?" (his Spanglish was no better than mine) I told him about the other officer who shook me down for a mordida, and that I wouldn't do that again.

I expected a ticket, but he waved me on! By the way, I was pulled over for not having my seatbelt on pulling out of a parking lot. I was driving a two door Kia Sportage with the top removed.

[Edited on 2-5-2021 by AKgringo]

HeyMulegeScott - 2-5-2021 at 01:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by defrag4  
what a bunch of jokers

I randomly saw these guys earlier today in Loreto, pegged them as marks the second i saw them and then found this thread tonight... lol

I dont feel bad seeing instagram vanlife yuppies getting fleeced by every cop down here, especially with that dramatic ass youtube thumbnail... you guys got taken for some cash for being dumb asses, not kidnapped by the cartel

broooo we cant bring drugs into mexico brooo? what the hell bro! :lol: :rolleyes:

at least hide your chit like a normal human being...

[Edited on 2-2-2021 by defrag4]


Too funny. They were at El Candil in Mulege telling this story loudly at the bar. Who would ever suspect these two of having drugs?:biggrin:

defrag4 - 2-6-2021 at 11:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by HeyMulegeScott  
Quote: Originally posted by defrag4  
what a bunch of jokers

I randomly saw these guys earlier today in Loreto, pegged them as marks the second i saw them and then found this thread tonight... lol

I dont feel bad seeing instagram vanlife yuppies getting fleeced by every cop down here, especially with that dramatic ass youtube thumbnail... you guys got taken for some cash for being dumb asses, not kidnapped by the cartel

broooo we cant bring drugs into mexico brooo? what the hell bro! :lol: :rolleyes:

at least hide your chit like a normal human being...

[Edited on 2-2-2021 by defrag4]


Too funny. They were at El Candil in Mulege telling this story loudly at the bar. Who would ever suspect these two of having drugs?:biggrin:


buncha dummies...

maybe they learned they lesson though, as they donated their latest weed stash to my friend at the campground before they left to head further south :rolleyes:

motoged - 2-6-2021 at 12:43 PM

Most Mexican mota isn't a real gift....makes ya wanna go back for seconds way too soon......is what a friend told me.;D

monoloco - 2-7-2021 at 10:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by defrag4  
what a bunch of jokers

I randomly saw these guys earlier today in Loreto, pegged them as marks the second i saw them and then found this thread tonight... lol

I dont feel bad seeing instagram vanlife yuppies getting fleeced by every cop down here, especially with that dramatic ass youtube thumbnail... you guys got taken for some cash for being dumb asses, not kidnapped by the cartel

broooo we cant bring drugs into mexico brooo? what the hell bro! :lol: :rolleyes:

at least hide your chit like a normal human being...


[Edited on 2-2-2021 by defrag4]
They weren't "bringing drugs to Mexico." CBD is 100% legal here and I see it advertised and sold openly in all sorts of tiendas. They were victimized by a crooked cop who lied to them and convinced them they had done something illegal. Try having a little sympathy for the victims.

RocketJSquirrel - 2-7-2021 at 01:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by defrag4  
what a bunch of jokers
[Edited on 2-2-2021 by defrag4][/rquote]They weren't "bringing drugs to Mexico." CBD is 100% legal here and I see it advertised and sold openly in all sorts of tiendas. They were victimized by a crooked cop who lied to them and convinced them they had done something illegal. Try having a little sympathy for the victims.


Under five grams of marijuana is legal too. If something is legal inside a country, does not mean it is legal to bring it into a country.

And who here enjoys negotiating with a border guard? I don't. You can't win.

People who haven't traveled much don't realize that a border guard, IN ANY COUNTRY, has a huge amount of power over your future. Mess with them at your own peril and only if you have big financial resources to help dig you out of a mess you created.

And while many people think they can negotiate they way out of these situations, maybe they can - but these border guards have gone through the same interaction maybe a thousand times, all day long - every day - for years. Your story is no more compelling than the last one, or hundred.

Be careful and don't blame your indiscretion on Mexico.