Beware of Spring Break danger in Mexico

KENS 5 Eyewitness News ^ | 02/28/2007 | Angela Kocherga

[SwinneySwitch]

Students packing their bags for Spring Break in Mexico may be surprised to find armed Mexican soldiers waiting for them.

The soldiers are there to ward off the drug violence plaguing tourist spots and the border towns.

Most U.S. students already celebrating in Mexico were not aware of the escalating drug violence that sparked the massive crackdown by Mexican authorities.

Every year, the U.S. State Department issues a Spring Break advisory called "Know Before You Go." This year, the advisory says students should know there is increasing violence in Acapulco and they should be "vigilant."

The warning says students should "be especially aware of safety and security concerns due to violence between rival drug gangs in the area." The advice is for students to stick to tourist areas and visit only during daylight and in early evening hours.

Mexican authorities agree that tourists are not the target of drug gangs, but they can get caught in the crossfire. Recently, two Canadians were injured when gunmen fired into their Acapulco hotel lobby.

More coverage • KENS video: Beware of Spring Break dangers in Mexico

In Cancun, the most popular Spring Break destination, the biggest danger for students is not bullets, but alcohol abuse. It leads to accidents, arrests and violent crimes such as rape.

Authorities say in most cases Spring Break safety starts at home with the students before they cross the border.

[mickey finn]

Is San Nicolas on the mainland or Baja?

[wolfcreek]

"Every year, they go off balconies here too on South Padre Island."


I notice that when We visited there. Not only that but, it was loose. Needless to say, We avoided the balcony especially, after a few drinks.

[gogeo]

I'm pining for them.

[advertising guy]

spring break in Mexico ? you mean Oxnard ?

[fogofbobegabay]

It's on the way to Ensenada.

[Ditter]

Mexico? No thanks we gave it up several years ago.

[Kenny Bunk]

Baloney!
Try Bonaire. Netherlands Antilles

[radar101]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html

[radar101]

IF you go to Mexico:
You are either:
A.
Really Ignorant
or
B.
Have a death wish

[Grizzled Bear]

Go to Norway. See the lovely fjords.

---

Go to Detroit. See the lovely Fords. And the Chevys too!

Detroit, New Orleans of the north (without the flooding).

[HIDEK6]

Ya, sounds like lot's of fun: if you come back alive.

Sort of like Afghanistan.