Mexico - beware airport security corruption

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Baysider

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Oct 3, 2002
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Corruption is alive and well in Mexico. Checked in to depart from Puerto Vallarta and arrived at security with five 50 ml assorted Tequila mini's in a snap lock bag in my carry on. "Sir, we can't let you take these, the alcohol content is too high" (they're marked from 25-40%). A heated debate followed. "Can I see the document that says I can't carry these?". "No sir, that is only for us to see". Eventually I give up and lose my Tequila. However my 80 ml aftershave with a higher alcohol content is fine !! Then literally 10m past security there is a duty free store with the same Tequila mini's, but at $7 each rather than the $2 each I paid in town in Puerto Vallarta. Guess the security personnel get kickbacks from the duty free stores !!

The moral: pack any alcohol in checked luggage when departing Mexico.
 
Must be a slow Friday but I read the whole post with a Mexican accent somehow!
 
Sorry to the OP...but can't stop laughing with the above comments!!!

I think when alcohol is involved many countries like to be corrupt when it suits them. I lost a lovely bottle of Limited Edition Bombay Sapphire at MXP in similar circumstances.
 
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Funny..i actually pictured those mice from looney tunes!!! Eh seniore! :D

Ahem ahem...sorry OP.

*compose yourself*
 
On a serious note corruption is a factor in travel all too frequently, I had a booking cancelled at CGK because I checked in without any extra folding stuff in my passport.
 
When I first started going to Tijuana for work a cabron (good mate) there told me to not trust anyone in a position of authority within the public service, particulary the local police and security.

His words, "Amigo, it is not like Australia. The police are not your friends." :D
 
I got strip searched coming back into the US on the border at Mexicali once back in my younger days. It was somehow not so enlightening after a big night on the Tequila & we managed to somehow be spared from the wraths of Authority. :shock:
 
The moral: pack any alcohol in checked luggage when departing Mexico.
I tend to do that these days especially on trips to Thailand. Buy duty free on arrival into Thailand and bring it back in checked luggage.

One time I made an error in Greece though. My dad and I just went through the USA and got to Greece where we stayed in Athens for 3 days before departing for Thessaloniki. We were flying Aegean and I was worried about baggage limits so took the 2 bottles of scotch out of checked luggage and put them into carry-on forgetting that European domestic is not the same as Australian domestic.

Got to security and the person told me that I cannot go through with the 2 bottles. Went back to check-in where it was too late. Going back through security and I took a risk this time and said nothing. Bag got scanned, pulled aside and searched. I was told could not take liquids through and a conversation had started. The guy at security realised we were visiting relatives and asked if they were presents and let me take them with me. ;)

So much for safety! ;)
 
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