On Monday I was on my way to the Nueva Posada for a drink with my friend when I noticed a number of members of the army armed with rifles milling around the carretera and the libremiento in front of Walmart.

They were slowing down the traffic as we went by and then encouraging us to carry on which I did smartly.

This is not the first time we have seen the army here in Ajiic and I will explain why they are here as I know there presence has unnerved some people.

I think Michael Eager of the Nueva Posada explained it best and I will quote him:

“They have periodic and roving teams of soldiers working all over Mexico. They set up roadblocks and randomly pull over cars and trucks. They are looking for guns and drugs. This is a common practice and it has been very successful in the war against drugs and gun runners. If you were to drive to the border on any major highway you would mostly pass through 4 to 5 of these types of roadblocks. (more…)