Drug War Murders Along the Mexican Riveria: Acapulco
Mexico's drug war and their cartels are now fighting for its once famed Acapulco, ex-home to thousands of tourists each year. A city of more than one million, it suffered last year over 400 murders tied to drug cartels. On one recent weekend, 30 bloodied bodies were found by the police. The drug gangs have been busy fighting one another but the repercussions on tourism are dire. Occupancy levels at hotels is at 45%. In 2005, they were at 75%. Its famed discos and bars are now usually half empty or have locals hanging out.
The word is out on Twitter and Facebook about the situation. Locals claim it is still safe for tourists. Acapulco' problem is really a product of its own greed. For many years, the city has tolerated the drug cartels and their selling of drugs in bars in small amounts, now, the cartels want more due to demand. There are killings every day but near the fringe of the city or on the other side of hills that surround it. The local prosecutor has been quite busy, from handling 2-3 murders a month, he now has 4-5 per week!
With drug cartel factions battling it out for who controls the Acapulco area, tourists are saying, "adios" to the once, famous, Mexican riveria.