### Concerns Over Potential Expansion of Extortion to Tijuana Ports
The manufacturing industry in Tijuana is increasingly concerned about the possibility of extortion fees, known as “cobro de piso,” spreading from customs to the city’s ports. Alejandro Jaramillo Osuna, the president of the National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (Canacintra) in Tijuana, highlighted that criminal groups have been targeting export customs in other cities, accessing customs information to demand importation fees according to the merchandise being handled.
So far, Tijuana has remained free of this issue, but there is growing anxiety within the manufacturing sector that this problem might extend to their region. Jaramillo Osuna expressed a keen interest from the industrial community in understanding how the authorities intend to combat these extortion attempts and prevent any impact on their operations. He emphasized the need for intelligence and proactive measures from law enforcement to prevent such occurrences.
While extortion has not yet hit the industrial sector in Tijuana, small businesses are reportedly paying up to 2,000 pesos weekly to criminals, heightening fears that it might eventually affect larger industries.
### Criminal Activities and the Call for Authorities’ Action
Despite these concerns, industries remain unscathed by these extortion fees, but it is an ongoing issue that demands attention from authorities to ensure it does not expand. Businesses are calling on law enforcement to take preemptive actions and utilize intelligence capabilities to stop such criminal activities before they become widespread. Industries have pointed out that there is often a reactive, rather than proactive, approach from authorities when criminal acts occur.
The impact of “cobro de piso” is already felt among smaller businesses in different regions of Tijuana, with several local businesses fighting the pressure to pay these illegal demands. The phenomenon is particularly concentrated in the Eastern Zone of Tijuana, where shop owners find it challenging to report these extortions due to fear. However, sustained efforts to combat these illegal practices can potentially prevent their spread to larger industries.
—
### News Highlights on Extortion in Customs
In related news, various cities in Mexico have seen an increase in “cobro de piso” activities, particularly targeting customs operations. Authorities are grappling with how to effectively address these criminal activities, which severely impact local economies and business morale.
Recent incidents have highlighted the critical need for comprehensive strategies that include both prevention and enforcement to combat extortion. In particular, industries across different sectors are urging more stringent measures and collaborative efforts between local businesses and authorities to safeguard against such criminal threats.
As the situation develops, there is a significant emphasis on resolving these issues and protecting both small and large enterprises from becoming victims of such extortion practices. The stability and growth of local economies heavily rely on efficient and corruption-free customs operations, making the need for immediate and effective responses more pressing than ever.