**Pharmacy Set Ablaze on Las Ferias Avenue in Tijuana**
In a concerning incident in Tijuana, two individuals reportedly set fire to the façade of Sofía Pharmacy, located in Hipódromo Plaza on Las Ferias Avenue. Witnesses and surveillance camera footage revealed that the suspects arrived on-site, doused the exterior with gasoline, and ignited a fire before fleeing the scene.
The fire broke out at 7:31 PM on Monday, December 30, 2024, but was quickly extinguished by nearby shopkeepers using fire extinguishers. The firefighters who arrived shortly after confirmed that the fire had been put out, while the police took preliminary reports from witnesses. Some witnesses suggested that Molotov cocktails might have been used in the attack.
This event is reminiscent of an earlier incident involving a fashion boutique about a kilometer away on Boulevard Las Américas, which occurred on the night of February 21, 2024. That fire coincided with another series of business fires, including vape shops in various neighborhoods across Tijuana.
During interviews in February, prosecutor María Elena Andrade Ramírez dismissed the notion that these incidents were related to extortion schemes targeting local businesses.
The National Chamber of Commerce (Canaco) in Tijuana recorded nine business arson cases and thirteen involving cargo trucks in 2014, with two fatalities resulting from an arson attack on February 20 in the La Mesa delegation.
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**Secondary Article: Rising Concerns Over Business Arson in Tijuana**
The recent fire at Sofía Pharmacy is not an isolated occurrence but part of a troubling pattern of arson attacks against businesses in Tijuana. These incidents have raised alarms among local merchants who fear for their safety and economic security.
Across the city, there have been numerous reports of similar attacks targeting businesses in various sectors. The motives behind these criminal acts remain unclear, though authorities have explored potential links to organized crime and extortion.
Community leaders and business owners have called for enhanced security measures and a more robust response from law enforcement to curb this menace. The local government and police are urged to intensify their efforts in investigating these occurrences and bringing perpetrators to justice.
The cumulative effect of these attacks threatens the livelihood of business owners and the city’s overall economic vitality. As Tijuana grapples with these challenges, vigilance and community cooperation are vital in overcoming this wave of arson and restoring a sense of safety to the local business landscape.