How Cartels Took Over Mexico’s Tourist Havens
Criminal groups often exert influence over legitimate tourism businesses, not just through extortion but by directly laundering money via hotel chains, real estate developments, and restaurants.
The sun-drenched beaches of Cabo turned into a war zone last week as gunmen clashed with police in a brutal, hours-long firefight, a stark reminder that Mexico’s tourist paradises are not immune to the country’s cartel violence.
This latest outbreak of violence underscores a disturbing trend: Mexico's most popular tourist destinations are often under siege by powerful drug cartels, with devastating consequences for local economies, international relations, and the safety of both residents and visitors.
Once considered safe retreats, cities like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco are hotspots for cartel activity. The allure of these destinations has made them lucrative territories for drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, and human trafficking. As rival cartels vie for control, violence spills into the streets, threatening the very tourism industry that sustains these regions.
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