The state of Quintana Roo in Mexico is cracking down on tourists’ drug usage by asking them to sign the Drug Law Awareness Agreement. The state has called this into light after a rapid increase in drug use, particularly in the midst of springtime vacation periods.
Travelers from the U.S. and Europe in particular appear to be the main culprits. Hotels in the state of Quintana Roo are navigating this problem ahead of time to minimize the ever-increasing dilemma.
The agreements that tourists must sign upon arrival ask for confirmation that those arriving know that it is illegal to consume or transport drugs, and they are aware that there are consequences for doing so.
These new zero-tolerance drug policies have come into play this month. In an effort to further deter guests from illegal drug-related activities, there won’t be any refunds for people kicked out of the hotels for drug usage. This reprimand is becoming increasingly more common in this region in Mexico.
Carlos Joaquín, the governor of Quintana Roo tweeted at the start of the month: “On the occasion of the next high vacation season, together with businessmen, we launched an outreach campaign to warn tourists about the risks and consequences of drug use during their stay in Quintana Roo,”
Cities where tourists need to sign the Drug Law Awareness Agreement
Cancún
Chetumal
Cozumel
Isla Mujeres
Mahahual
Puerto Morelos
Riviera Maya
Tulum
In December, a story in the Washington Post laid out how it is common for tourists to request cocaine and other drugs from hotel staff.
With an increase of cartel shootings and overall cartel presence in the state of Quintana Roo at popular resorts, the new call for a signage of the drug law awareness agreements serves to protect the surrounding communities. There have been various shootings and cartel-related fatalities as a result of the growing demand for drugs in Quintana Roo.
In October, one attack killed a German and an Indian tourist in Tulum. Another recent incident saw tourists on a beach in Cancún fearful as gunmen on jet skis fired bullets across a beach in the city.
The hope is that the new requirement for visitors will eliminate the ongoing issue of tourists demanding drugs without bearing witness to the knock-on, potential fatal consequences that it has on a community.