**Concern Grows Over Possible Extortion at Tijuana Ports**
The local industrial sector in Tijuana is growing increasingly concerned about the potential spread of extortion practices, known as “cobro de piso,” at the city’s ports. This worry stems from reports of similar activities occurring at export customs in other cities across the country. Alejandro Jaramillo Osuna, the president of the National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (Canacintra) in Tijuana, voiced the industry’s unease about criminal groups demanding import fees from companies based on the goods they import.
So far, Tijuana’s industries have not fallen victim to these extortion tactics, but the fear is that such practices prevalent in other regions could make their way into the city. Jaramillo emphasized the importance of understanding how authorities are working to prevent potential extortion threats to the sector.
“The business community historically calls for intelligence-based solutions rather than just reactive measures after incidents like murders, thefts, or fires,” Jaramillo explained. “We need proactive strategies to address these dangers before they escalate.”
In Tijuana, small businesses already report paying up to two thousand pesos weekly as “cobro de piso,” indicating that this issue is not unfamiliar to the commercial landscape of the city.
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**Secondary Article: Fear Among Tijuana Businesses Over Rising Extortion Threats**
Amid rising reports of “cobro de piso” extortion practices, Tijuana’s business community is gripped with a growing fear of these threats. Many small businesses in Tijuana’s eastern zones are already burdened by such criminal demands, paying substantial weekly fees to avoid trouble.
The apprehension is compounded by the hesitance among merchants to report these activities due to fear of reprisals. Despite potential challenges, there is a concerted effort by the industrial sector to collaborate with authorities in preventing these threats from spreading further.
Meanwhile, on a broader scale, Tijuana is witnessing other economic shifts and challenges. The municipal infrastructure and tourism sectors are seeking solutions to issues such as increasing rental costs, suspended beach projects, and the seasonal economic boosts expected from the upcoming festive periods, such as Day of the Dead, when local businesses like florists and restaurants anticipate a significant rise in sales.
The overall climate points to a critical need for policy and enforcement strategies that protect businesses from extortion while supporting economic growth.