Two posters that were seen online this month looked like giant warnings from Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, telling Americans to stay away from Los Cabos. The posters, which fans call “narcomantas,” were signed by a faction of the cartel called La Chapiza and promised violence against U.S. visitors.
Photos of the signs trended on social media, but officials in Baja California Sur say they couldn’t find any such displays on state‑owned property.
“We’re not accusing anyone of putting up fake signs,” a local deputy told reporters. “We’ve checked the public property, and there’s nothing there.”
The threat has raised alarms in Washington, and former U.S. drug‑control policy experts have weighed in. Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters, who served in the White House drug czar office for Clinton and Bush, told Fox News that the tactic is a classic form of narco‑terrorism. “When you’re dealing with a cartel that’s serious and close to our border, we have to take it seriously,” he said. “It’s a warning shot over our door.”
Peters explained that narcomantas have long been a propaganda tool. Cartels drape huge signs across bridges and in plazas to show who controls which territory, to threaten rivals, or to send a message straight to governments and citizens. In the past, Colombian cartels controlled entire regions through intimidation, corruption and fear, a strategy the Sinaloa Cartel now follows in parts of Mexico.
The key difference today, Peters added, is the proximity to the United States. Millions of Americans travel to the Baja coast every year for vacations and business, making them a tempting target for extortion, kidnapping or terror. “Don’t go unless you really need to,” he advised. “Stick to places with a good safety record.”
Travel advisories for southern Mexico have been heightened recently. U.S. citizens who do decide to visit Los Cabos should stay alert, avoid midnight trips, and stay informed through the State Department’s travel alerts. Travelers who hear about new warnings or see suspicious activity should report it immediately to local authorities or U.S. consular officials.
Mexican officials are investigating the claims. For now, the best advice for U.S. tourists remains caution. If you’re planning a trip to Los Cabos, stay focused on reliable travel sources and keep a close eye on local news – your safety depends on staying informed.
Source: Fox News
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