Cargo theft in Mexico has reached crisis levels, with robbery attempts occurring nearly every 50 minutes, making the country the worst in the world in loss ratio terms, reports Bloomberg. A recent high-profile case involving Los Angeles Azules drew attention to a broader epidemic affecting nearly every industry. With Mexicoโs exports steadily increasing, thereโs more to stealโoften of growing valueโand criminals are exploiting weak enforcement, fake checkpoints, and insider information. Despite efforts by President Claudia Sheinbaum and top security officials, overstretched resources and systemic corruption continue to hinder progress, leaving truckers vulnerable and companies resigned to losses. They write:
Late one Friday night, a truck carrying sound equipment for legendary cumbia band Los Angeles Azules was pulled over along the Mexico-Puebla highway. Police at the checkpoint were in fact bandits, and upon seeing the pricey cargo they drew their guns and drove off with the loot.
The driver and another passenger were left stranded by the side of the road, unharmed except for some hearing damage from a warning shot the robbers fired. […]
Explanations for the rise in robberies are many. With Mexicoโs exports steadily increasing, thereโs more to steal, often of increasing value. The country is awash in guns, many entering illegally from the US. And perpetrators are rarely caught and punished, with some experts saying a decision by Sheinbaumโs predecessor to eliminate the federal police in favor of creating the National Guard made matters worse. […]
โThis is our job,โ said Macias, who recently feared a load of apples he was carrying would be discovered and targeted because of their fragrance. โThey’ve assaulted many people and taken their trucks. It makes you sad, but you keep working,โ he explained on his way into a gas station for a snack. Soon, he added, heโd be on his way to pick up a load of cold cuts.
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