National Guard Deployed in Cancun To Boost Security for Tourists

Officials in Mexico hope there is strength in numbers.

So for the rest of the summer, they have decided to deploy the National Guard to deter violence in the area. The violence apparently sprung up after drug cartels moved into the area.

Although summer is not necessarily the busiest time of the year for Cancun, the Cancun International Airport still draws more than 600 flights a day.

The goal is to keep tourists safe.

Normally, most crimes are what you see in a typical vacation area – petty theft and scams. Gang-related crimes are a different story and present a problem for local police. A shooting at the beach several months ago has raised the stakes although Cancun is generally considered to be safe.

Tourist officials say that Cancun, like any other destination, has its sketchy part of town. But they emphasize that this is only a temporary thing. The National Guard is more or less an increased layer of protection as local police have increased the size of their force and use other methods like security cameras and drones.

The National Guard will be on alert for any suspicious activity, but will also address common problems like overdrinking at the beach. Already, officials say, the presence of the National Guard has helped reduce the sale of drugs.