Crime, Safety, and the Police

[Frogg]

Frogg was exposed to gang life and gun / knife violence in Watts and South Central LA, but it pales next to the thousands of extremely cruel kidnap, torture, murder every year in Tijuana. He knows what's he's talking about.

While the thousands of murders in Tijuana are between drug dealers, mongers and visitors are also at risk of getting caught in crossfire, also potential targeted kidnaps and extortion.

It's fun to go down to Tijuana, party with the girls, have some hot sex but try not to draw too much attention to yourself and expose too much to risks, definitely not the way Fat Guy rains hundreds $ to ugly and lumpy strippers. It's best to stay clear of drugs, dealers, cartels and use caution at all times.

Captain, to put things in perspective, the 1,972 murders in Tijuana last year do not include those who were disappeared and turned into menudo stew, buried in mass graves, or fed to hungry lions. However, one can mitigate risk by keeping a low profile, not lingering unecessarily on streets, and staying indoors during late night and AM hours, etc.

Last year, an American YouTuber named Marshall Powell visited Tijuana and had the great idea of taking a taxi in the wee-morning hours. He got robbed of his money when two bandidos jumped in the taxi to help him count his cash. Thankfully, his life was spared. Now he's afraid of taking taxis anywhere in Mexico--I have advised him not to fear taxis, just don't take them late night in border cities like Juarez and TJ. Apparently, Marshall had bought into the BS lie that Northern Mexico is 'Americanized' and therefore safe for happy-go-lucky YouTubers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSZUAq6MHqI&t=132s.

[Captain Solo]

You are right, all business in Tijuana and anywhere else in Mexico, have to pay protection many to cartels with gangs and guns. Even the street vendors have to pay cartels' taxes. While enforcement by policias is overt, control and enforcement by cartels are clandestine but far more violent. They would murder street dealers who sell 50-peso pouches of meth in their territories. Thousands are murdered in Tijuana every year in this drug turf war.

Combined policias and cartel are keeping crimes away from La Zona Norte where the goose lay its golden eggs. For perspectives, let's do some quick estimates for the biggest goose in la Zona, the HK club. Estimate high an average 1,000 guys go in HK a day, spending $30 on drinks and fichas. That's $11 M bar revenue a year plus another $5 M for hotel Cascada, assuming 60% occupancy for 180 days a year, which may be high, totaled about $16 M annual revenue. After overhead, payroll and expenses, HK likely nets 5% or $800 K a year, out of which they probably pay $100 K to city hall and $100 K to the cartel. He's left with 500-$600 K a year, which makes him a king in Mexico.

For $100 K a year, cartel have to pay for gangs to be ready with arms and muscles in case another cartel try to butt in. I know HK's security collects lots of info on its clients. They knwo a lot more than you think. If the cartel knows some guys worth a few millions $, do you think they are not tempted to kidnap and extort big sums instead of murdering street dealers who sell may be $100 a day?

I think Fat Man and guys who flaunt a lot of money in the clubs may be heading for extreme cruelty and lose all their wealth to the cartel who don't give a flying shit about policias, AMLO. , DEA, CIA, HSI. A couple Americans have recently been kidnapped or murdered recently likely for botching drug deals.

As you and others have noted, there's absolutely risk involved with Tijuana. Particularly random street crimes or getting caught in the crossfire. Suffice it to say, in most cases, you're almost certainly going to be safer by not visiting the Zona.

That said, let's not kid ourselves on why the Zona is what it is: it's straight cash money for the cartels. Might not be as lucrative as the cross-border drug trade or smuggling, but between business fronts, protection rackets, loan sharking, etc, they're probably bringing 10's (if not 100's) of millions from the Zona every year.

No, they're not looking out for anybody, but they're not going out of their way to threaten this revenue stream. Stability is good for business and I'm certain that they, and not la policia. Are the reason it's not the wild west out there.

[Nothing24]

This is very odd and disturbing. Personally I have been fortunate to not have been around when any shootings have taken place. There was article in Frontera that 5 people were murdered in Tijuana. No mention of Zona Norte. My guess it was some random drug deal go bad. If anyone has any news please post immediately. This just goes to show how important to always use caution in the Zona.

Took a taxi near Adelitas yesterday to the border and was talking to the driver about what happened. I inquired about the situation and at first he was claiming to not know what went down but once we got a good little rapport going he basically said it was due to a couple guys selling dope in the zona who didn't have permission to sell in that area. Apparently certain people had been warned but they kept doing it and so what happened, happened. He even admitted to being a former small time dealer himself but said shit was getting too crazy so now he's just a cab driver trying to live a straight life.

Unrelated but I was in HK for a bit before that and a huge fight broke out by the stage in the back, the one close to the alley. As soon as fists started flying I ran in the opposite direction towards the front main stage area as meseros and security trampled everyone in the way to head towards the back area to break things up. Don't know what happened, I got out of there not too long soon after.

[Boomshaka]

Frogg was exposed to gang life and gun / knife violence in Watts and South Central LA, but it pales next to the thousands of extremely cruel kidnap, torture, murder every year in Tijuana. He knows what's he's talking about.

While the thousands of murders in Tijuana are between drug dealers, mongers and visitors are also at risk of getting caught in crossfire, also potential targeted kidnaps and extortion.

It's fun to go down to Tijuana, party with the girls, have some hot sex but try not to draw too much attention to yourself and expose too much to risks, definitely not the way Fat Guy rains hundreds $ to ugly and lumpy strippers. It's best to stay clear of drugs, dealers, cartels and use caution at all times.

As you and others have noted, there's absolutely risk involved with Tijuana. Particularly random street crimes or getting caught in the crossfire. Suffice it to say, in most cases, you're almost certainly going to be safer by not visiting the Zona.

That said, let's not kid ourselves on why the Zona is what it is: it's straight cash money for the cartels. Might not be as lucrative as the cross-border drug trade or smuggling, but between business fronts, protection rackets, loan sharking, etc, they're probably bringing 10's (if not 100's) of millions from the Zona every year.

No, they're not looking out for anybody, but they're not going out of their way to threaten this revenue stream. Stability is good for business and I'm certain that they, and not la policia. Are the reason it's not the wild west out there.

[DramaFree11]

Especially if law enforcement decides to start cracking down on street action in the states and you get the book thrown at you by some judge trying to make a name for themselves. Risk of getting misdemeanor or felony charges, with the accompanying fees is not worth it at all.

If you do not do drugs or sell, you will have no issues in Mexico. Now if you mess around with drugs you will find trouble.

[Dogers69]

Frogg was exposed to gang life and gun / knife violence in Watts and South Central LA, but it pales next to the thousands of extremely cruel kidnap, torture, murder every year in Tijuana. He knows what's he's talking about.

While the thousands of murders in Tijuana are between drug dealers, mongers and visitors are also at risk of getting caught in crossfire, also potential targeted kidnaps and extortion.

It's fun to go down to Tijuana, party with the girls, have some hot sex but try not to draw too much attention to yourself and expose too much to risks, definitely not the way Fat Guy rains hundreds $ to ugly and lumpy strippers. It's best to stay clear of drugs, dealers, cartels and use caution at all times.

People talk about the rapper that got shot for his chain in the los angles chicken place 2 weeks ago. It's important for guys to know you will get robbed just wearing dress pants and a nice shirt on the san Diego trolley. Never mind showing a laptop. The middle income people don't take the trolley in San Diego unless it's for a Padres game just parking 3 stops away. AR the trolley station I saw 7 Latino guys have argument with 1 of their friends and then surround him, ready to pounce. He walked slowly as they surrounded him, till he got to the garbage pail and pulled out a machete from the pail he stored ahead of time. That's basically san Diego public transportation for you.

[SomeDude321]

Especially if law enforcement decides to start cracking down on street action in the states and you get the book thrown at you by some judge trying to make a name for themselves. Risk of getting misdemeanor or felony charges, with the accompanying fees is not worth it at all.

The issue is, are the charms of Zona Norte worth the risk: for many of us the answer is "yes." Just compare the entertainment to be had on Callejon Coahuila with what you can find on Figueroa Blvd in South Los Angeles. Enough said.

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[Captain Solo]

Frogg was exposed to gang life and gun / knife violence in Watts and South Central LA, but it pales next to the thousands of extremely cruel kidnap, torture, murder every year in Tijuana. He knows what's he's talking about.

While the thousands of murders in Tijuana are between drug dealers, mongers and visitors are also at risk of getting caught in crossfire, also potential targeted kidnaps and extortion.

It's fun to go down to Tijuana, party with the girls, have some hot sex but try not to draw too much attention to yourself and expose too much to risks, definitely not the way Fat Guy rains hundreds $ to ugly and lumpy strippers. It's best to stay clear of drugs, dealers, cartels and use caution at all times.

[Frogg]

It happens more often than you think. I have been in two situations just standing in the alley when a guy pulls out a gun and starts running in my direction.

Anything can pop off at any moment like a prison yard. That's why we go down right for the adrenaline?

This is the second murder that's happend on that side of that street this year, on Consitucion Ave, while I have visited. That particular spot always has drug dealers, most likely the cause of these killings.

I was reading this thread for some pages back, posters were claiming that certain areas of Los Angeles are more dangerous than Tijuana. That may have been true 30-20 years ago, but the numbers today do not support this. Last year Los Angeles with a population of 4 million had 397 murders, meanwhile Tijuana with a population of 2 million had 1,972 murders.

The issue is, are the charms of Zona Norte worth the risk: for many of us the answer is "yes." Just compare the entertainment to be had on Callejon Coahuila with what you can find on Figueroa Blvd in South Los Angeles. Enough said.

[BrotherMouzone]

Saturday afternoon about 3 PM we were walking at the corner of Contitucion and Coahuila when 3 shots rang out. A guy was running but fell dead face down on the door step of hotel Rapido.

Policias removed the body quickly but blocked off that side of Contitucion for investigation. Street girls resumed their trade like any normal day while policias were scurrying around.

This stretch of sidewalk had many murders over the last few years. I personally saw 3 murders in the day time right in front of me and knew of a few more, plus a police shot a guy in the leg in front of bar Malquerida. Just so you know the risks of gun violence in that area.

OK yeah, I did see part of Constitucion blocked off yesterday when I was walking from Cascadas to Revolucion but had no idea why it was blocked off. Didn't think much of it as it seemed everyone was still going about their business as per usual.

[Travv]

Knew someone who visited South America and had a similar situation. Was going to the airport to return to the USA and the taxista put her luggage in the trunk. She got in front and suddenly another guy got in back. As they drove she noticed 2 things. 1. The taxi wasn't headed toward the airport. 2. The guy in the back was holding a necktie. She then jumped from the taxi at a red light and demanded her luggage. She believes yonce the taxi drove out to an isolated area, the guy in the backseat was going to strangle her with the necktie and split her money with the taxi driver accomplice. Be careful out there!

This reminded me of a couple years ago back when the newer entry way coming from the US was open, when I crossed into Mexico I was going to take a cab to the zona and right when I was about to get in the passenger seat the taxi driver was going to allow a couple of shady looking guys into the back seat. I said wait what's going on? The driver said oh don't worry, Im gonna drop you off first and then these guys just need a ride to the airport. Keep in mind these guys didnt even have any luggage. I quickly turned around and started to walk away at a steady pace. I didn't even bother questioning the illogical thinking on his part. It was clearly a set up. Only time it's happened to me. I don't even remember what I ended up doing after that.

[Hargow20]

This is very odd and disturbing. Personally I have been fortunate to not have been around when any shootings have taken place. There was article in Frontera that 5 people were murdered in Tijuana. No mention of Zona Norte. My guess it was some random drug deal go bad. If anyone has any news please post immediately. This just goes to show how important to always use caution in the Zona.

Saturday afternoon about 3 PM we were walking at the corner of Contitucion and Coahuila when 3 shots rang out. A guy was running but fell dead face down on the door step of hotel Rapido.

Policias removed the body quickly but blocked off that side of Contitucion for investigation. Street girls resumed their trade like any normal day while policias were scurrying around.

This stretch of sidewalk had many murders over the last few years. I personally saw 3 murders in the day time right in front of me and knew of a few more, plus a police shot a guy in the leg in front of bar Malquerida. Just so you know the risks of gun violence in that area.

[Artisttyp]

Did it look like a targeted shooting? Or random violence?

A targeted killing would fall under the Mexican rule of "If you don't looking for trouble, you'll generally won't find it. " But if it's random, I'll have to think twice about to ZN. That's bit too close for comfort to the big 3 clubs.

It happens more often than you think. I have been in two situations just standing in the alley when a guy pulls out a gun and starts running in my direction.

Anything can pop off at any moment like a prison yard. That's why we go down right for the adrenaline?

[SomeDude321]

Did it look like a targeted shooting? Or random violence?

A targeted killing would fall under the Mexican rule of "If you don't looking for trouble, you'll generally won't find it. " But if it's random, I'll have to think twice about to ZN. That's bit too close for comfort to the big 3 clubs.

Saturday afternoon about 3 PM we were walking at the corner of Contitucion and Coahuila when 3 shots rang out. A guy was running but fell dead face down on the door step of hotel Rapido.

[Dogers69]

Saturday afternoon about 3 PM we were walking at the corner of Contitucion and Coahuila when 3 shots rang out. A guy was running but fell dead face down on the door step of hotel Rapido.

Policias removed the body quickly but blocked off that side of Contitucion for investigation. Street girls resumed their trade like any normal day while policias were scurrying around.

This stretch of sidewalk had many murders over the last few years. I personally saw 3 murders in the day time right in front of me and knew of a few more, plus a police shot a guy in the leg in front of bar Malquerida. Just so you know the risks of gun violence in that area.

Constitution I the street that they almost killed me on. I am bad with street names so I just looked at Google maps. I'm surprised anybposter can be telling people Tijuana is safe with all this violence alot of us see. I saw two female waiters almost kill each other in the daytime in front of the bar and all their friends stood by watching. If I had kids pr pets that needed me alive I wouldn't even walk to get street tacos on the corners. Stay in hk or take cab to revolution street in daytime only. That's the only 99.99% safe way. Also since my mugging I've always known never walk on that side of costitution it's anything goes. Walk on the side closest to Hong Kong and playboy club.