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amir
Senior Nomad
Posts: 559
Registered: 5-4-2007
Location: Todos Santos, BCS
Member Is Offline
Mood: chiropractic
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Point well taken, Larry. We pack things in our vehicles that would tempt anybody! These armed “kids” with lethal AK-47’s are not above human nature,
and they may very well see an easy opportunity to pocket something that does not belong to them; this is exactly why all the good advise and
suggestions, in this discussion thread, to stay alert and vigilant around our belongings, is so helpful to ease our fears and uneasiness about the
ordeal. On our last drive from Todos Santos to Tecate in February we were searched at seven (7) active checkpoints. It does make me uneasy and
uncomfortable each time, too, but we observed them as they did their work, stayed calm, and answered all questions politely, and we were soon on our
way… I don’t take these matters lightly; I just don’t worry that they are going to find contraband, because we are law-abiding guests in their
country, and it would be very foolish to try to smuggle anything illegal when you know they are going to search you.
--Amir
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jettygirl
Junior Nomad
Posts: 44
Registered: 9-1-2006
Member Is Offline
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Innocent Flowers
| Quote: | Originally posted by lencho
| Quote: | Originally posted by amir
If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about!
--Amir. |
I disagree. Having armed strangers who may not be above the terrible temptations presented by their position, poking through one's personal
belongings, is not something to take lightly.
On one hand, I'm glad they're there-- I think their presence makes driving the Baja a safer journey-- but that does not prevent my uneasiness when
they stop and search me.
--Larry |
On my last trip up in Feb I too had nothing to hid and as mentioned in most post, I also sit quietly with the cab of the truck while my boyfriend
takes on the task of watching the small trailer we pull. When we came up to the Jesus Marie check point we could tell from both the long line and
piles of stuff sitting along side vehicles that we were in for a real differant search than we are use to seeing.
When it was our turn, I stepped out of the cab and sat on the bench along side the vehicle and watched as my guy went through the truck. First round
was A-OK but since the trailer was still being gone through, my guy decided to keep looking. In my back pack I had a small bundle of wild flowers I
had picked the day before and some of the flowers had faded and dried. They were in a vase in my open back pack in water to keep them safe for the
dinner table that night. Most of the flowers were still fresh and beautifull but a few were old and wilted. Well he pulled all the old ones out and
started smelling them and rubbing them between his fingers. He then called over another guy who did the same. All the while I'm still sitting
quietly and called to him and said, "wild flowers just flowers for the dinner table tonight". That didn't seem to faze him so the big guy was called
over. Now I am getting worried, innocent flowers, just innocent flowers, but they were not letting this go. The boyfriend was called over and the
big guy took him aside to discuss what the dried herb was. Luckily he knew right away what the guy had in his hand and said they were flowers. The
big guy left with the flowers and about 15 mins later came back and said we were free to go.
So even though I had nothing to hid, innocent flowers could have gotten me in more trouble than I like to think about.
I know one thing, I will never feel at ease at any check point no matter what.
I appreciate the job they do, but will never carry innocent flowers with me again!!!
\" If your lucky enough to live by the sea .....
Your lucky enough\"
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Lee
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3597
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
Member Is Offline
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Let's get all the Mexican stereotypes out RIGHT NOW!!!!
| Quote: | | Quote: | Originally posted by amir
Point well taken, Larry. We pack things in our vehicles that would tempt anybody! These armed “kids” with lethal AK-47’s are not above human nature,
and they may very well see an easy opportunity to pocket something that does not belong to them; this is exactly why all the good advise and
suggestions, in this discussion thread, to stay alert and vigilant around our belongings, is so helpful to ease our fears and uneasiness about the
ordeal.--Amir |
| Quote: | Originally posted by jettygirl
I disagree. Having armed strangers who may not be above the terrible temptations presented by their position, poking through one's personal
belongings, is not something to take lightly.
On one hand, I'm glad they're there-- I think their presence makes driving the Baja a safer journey-- but that does not prevent my uneasiness when
they stop and search me.
--Larry |
I know one thing, I will never feel at ease at any check point no matter what.
I appreciate the job they do, but will never carry innocent flowers with me again!!! |
(If I've misquoted here, my apologies!)
Let's see: kids in uniform with automatic weapons = thugs and thieves who are looking for ''easy opportunities'' to fleese tourists.
''I'd be vigilant around our belongings, is so helpful to ease our fears and uneasiness about the ordeal.''
You guys need to chill and take a pill. Why don't you consider flying down instead?
My impression is that Mexico is under pressure from the US to stop drugs coming into the US. If you're a white gringo, you fit the profile. But
my experience is everyone pretty much get's searched anyway.
I think the checkpoints search randomly and do profile. An example of high profile might be long hairs with surfboards on top a VW Bus vs. 2
whiteheads towing a 5th wheel with a F-350 dually.
It's human nature to be curious and you can bet these kids are curious. But that's probably all! Let's say the 80/20 Rule applies in life.
There's a bad apple in every bunch. Whatever the percentage is of these kids being bad, my opinion the percentage is low. Considering the amount
of traffic going through the checkpoints, I'd say it's real low.
My dog can smell fear and can read body language -- and some of these kids can see the fear in your eyes. Body language is a give away.
From time to time, word comes from the top that drugs are being found at the Border. Thorough inspections might be the order of the week. Then,
things relax a bit.
These kids take their jobs seriously and with great responsibility. Be assured that their Superior is standing close by, generally, watching
everything taking place. He is also watching you and how you act. If you are fearful and nervous, you probably fit the profile of a drug
smuggler. Think about it.
My expectation is because I have nothing illegal, I have nothing to hide, so why not relax and have fun. I admit to taking a deep breath and
purposely relaxing.
However, my expectation has always been that everything will be OK and, rather than an ordeal, this routine is no more than a nuisance.
Smile, be polite, let them do their jobs, and be watchful. I make an attempt to improve my Spanish with these guys, have enough cookies for at
least 3-4 checkpoints, and try to show my appreciation for them being on the job. THis works for me.
Relax!
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DanO
Super Nomad
Posts: 1923
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: Not far from the Pacific
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajaguy
Mexican K-9's legs would be too short |
Yeah, all three of them.
\"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.\" -- Frank Zappa
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pangamadness
Nomad
Posts: 378
Registered: 9-22-2003
Member Is Offline
Mood: Under H20
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Originally posted by vandenberg
Always wondered why the Mexican military doesn't " employ " canines.
Anybody knows.
I have seen many of the check points with dogs and at least two busts I have passed were found by dogs. One was some poor hippy in a VW bus.
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pangamadness
Nomad
Posts: 378
Registered: 9-22-2003
Member Is Offline
Mood: Under H20
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The dog at his post
[Edited on 5-10-2007 by pangamadness]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65304
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Photo from SeaTwill, near Cataviña
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15940
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
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here's a wrench in the current theory
last week my wife, son and i were packed into the front seat and at the maneadero checkpoint we were "stuck" in the "thorough" search lane behind 6
cars. after about 20 minutes it was our turn. fully loaded like the beverly hillbillies and the soldier was being very thoorough on all the previous
vehicles, all were mexicans.
well we pulled up and he asked, "where you going? where you coming from"?
"adelante" and we did!
hey meester, jew gotta light?
[Edited on 5-11-2007 by woody in ob]
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