Cancun, Q.R. — The government of Quintana Roo has launched a warning campaign for Spring Break and Easter tourists about the consequences of buying drugs while in Mexico.
The campaign has been launched in highly public areas including restaurants, hotels, public washrooms and the Cancun International Airport. The campaign warns the 1.1 million-plus visitors yet to arrive of the consequences of buying and doing drugs while in the country.
For the past week, posters can be seen around public areas warning visitors that drugs in Mexico are illegal and buying them will lead to trouble.
“Drugs in Mexico are illegal. Don’t be be misled into thinking that purchase or use is allowed or tolerated. The purchase of drugs in Mexico is a crime punishable by imprisonment.”
“Don’t put yourself at risk. Drug dealers at beaches and nightclubs will get you into trouble. They are not your friends, they’re criminals. Enjoy a drug-free vacation and Be part of the Solution!” the posted notices read.
The busiest season has only now arrived, which Governor Carlos Joaquin points out, is from April 10 to 16 where another 1.1 million people are expected to arrive for Easter. The drug-use warning is part of the state’s “Be part of the Solution” campaign.
The General Health Law considers the possession, supply and trade of psychotropic substances in any part of Mexican territory a crime, the official message warns.
Possession without purpose of trade or supply — 10 months to 3 years in jail.
Possession for the purpose of trade or supply — 3 to 6 years in prison.
Trade, supply, transportation, production and trafficking — 4 to 7.5 years in prison
“Do not turn your vacation into a permanent stay” or “Do not turn the best party into an eternal rest”, are some of the messages being issued to tourists during this holiday season.
Toni Chávez, head of the Riviera Maya Hotel Association reported that they have been working on the campaign since January, when it was first proposed due to the damage that the sale of drugs has caused to tourism in the Mexican Caribbean.
“One of the problems is the sale of drugs on beaches and clubs. What we want is to make tourists aware that, first, this is not a destination or country where you can come to consume drugs without legal repercussion, and that, with all due respect, there is a supply of the product because there is demand,” he said.
