Kidnapping has become a popular business in Mexico, not just in the north of the country but especially around Mexico City.

Having lived and studied in Mexico over thirty years ago I developed a real love for the country and thought I would eventually live there. However, I discovered Costa Rica and my plans changed immediately.  It was love at first site. Given what is happening in Mexico at this time I made the correct decision.

The media has been saturated with stories about the drug cartels and  their battle with rival gangs and the Mexican government’s efforts to eradicate this growing menace. In fact, this week President Obama met with Mexico’s president Calderón in an effort to seek a solution to this problem.

Unfortunately, there has been another offshoot of this dangerous situation. Kidnapping has become a popular business in Mexico, not just in the north of the country but especially around Mexico City. Up till now the target has mostly been Mexican citizens but is only a matter of time before American retirees become the victims of this growing trade.

According to a CBS report about 70 people are kidnapped per month and this number is growing. The victims are not just the very rich but anyone with cash is now in danger. There is general climate of fear with is permeating  the society. This burgeoning problem has given birth to several business. Cars are being converted into armored  vehicles at a cost of between $30 to $60,000 dollars. Businessmen feel this is a small price to pay to protect themselves and their families. There are even stores which sell all styles of bullet-proof clothing with some garments costing as much as $5,000. In addition, almost everyone who can afford it has private body guards. In the CBS report the lawyer who was interviewed had four armed guards with their pistols drawn at all times.

Indeed the situation in Mexico has deteriorated to the point that the country is considered to be as dangerous a Pakistan by the U.S. State Department. It surprises me that one international retirement publication continues to hype the country as the best place to live in Latin America. I think the facts speak for themselves.

This one-time retirement haven for people from the U.S., Canada and other countries is just too risky. What a shame!

Fortunately, Costa Rica still awaits those who to retire south of the border. You seldom hear anything bad about Costa Rica in the foreign media. If the country is mentioned it is usually in connection with its natural wonders and destination as a tourism and retirement haven.