Summary
Highlights
Acapulco, once a vibrant tourist destination, has become the world's second city with the highest homicide rate, with nearly three murders daily. Drug cartels dominate the city, causing foreign tourists to flee. The tourist police force, under Commander Inés, patrols beaches and coastal areas, aiming to reassure national visitors and combat drug trafficking, which travels by sea.
Pattaya, Thailand, attracts over 4 million visitors annually, largely due to its thriving sex industry and low cost of living. However, the city faces significant issues with alcohol excesses and drunk driving. Captain Plot Prong's police unit conducts roadblocks and checks, often involving foreign tourists. Volunteer police officers, like Dimitri from France, assist with language barriers and cultural mediation, highlighting the unique challenges of policing a diverse international tourist population.
Acapulco's tourism economy has deteriorated since its 1950s golden age, with many businesses closing. The rise in crime has driven away international tourists, though Mexican visitors still frequent the beaches. Police battle not only cartel violence but also petty theft, a consequence of growing poverty. Operations like 'Guerrero' involve federal, municipal, and tourist police to make the city safer, but drug cartels continue to strike, often resulting in daily shootings.
In Pattaya's nightlife, police actively search for drugs and firearms, targeting both foreigners and locals. Mobile clinics conduct urine tests for amphetamines, with positive results leading to prison. While cannabis is tolerated, possession of harder drugs can result in the death penalty. Immigration officers also conduct raids to address illegal immigration, a significant problem exacerbated by sex tourism and expired visas, resulting in expulsions.
Acapulco's beaches are deserted at night, with police patrols focusing on red-light districts and areas with high crime rates. Officer Johan Casadero, a 21-year veteran, describes the city as a 'ghost town' after dark, where gunshots can occur anywhere. Police officers face constant danger, conducting patrols in dangerous neighborhoods and responding to emergency calls involving armed suspects, with their lives constantly at risk. Despite the dangers, they remain dedicated to bringing peace and security back to Acapulco.
Pattaya police handle common crimes like theft, as seen with an Italian tourist arrested for stealing water and having an expired visa. The city's police station displays Interpol notices for serious criminals, reflecting the wider issues the force tackles. Special units, like Colonel Saran Yafong's team, conduct raids on buildings housing many foreigners to check identities and visas, aiming to prevent larger crimes. Despite not yet being affected by terrorism, Pattaya police are constantly on alert, conducting rigorous training exercises, such as neutralizing a terrorist commando, to prepare for potential threats.
Acapulco's police continue to confront the grim reality of cartel violence. Responding to another murder—a likely settling of scores—officers face the 'law of silence' in cartel-controlled neighborhoods. The victim's humiliation underscores the brutal nature of these conflicts. Despite the police's relentless efforts, a peaceful climate and the return of mass tourism remain distant dreams. Officers like Johan, who have witnessed colleagues die, face daily risks, driven by their commitment to their duty and the hope of protecting their community.