We understand the needs of the marketplace and are driven by our expertise in the security arena. Today's world is replete with geopolitical, cultural and ideological tensions which creates risks that need to be mitigated.
Businesses in Mexico are tightening security against gangs who are slipping illegal drugs and contraband into legitimate export shipments, with a vicious war between security forces and rival gangs causing an unprecedented 1,900 deaths in the country so far this year.
The trouble has not had much of an impact on the general economy, but several recent incidents where narcotics were discovered in shipments of cargo from major exporters have put businesses on edge.
In May this year troops searching premises belonging to a subsidiary of the electronics firm Sharp Corp found around 1.5 tonnes of marijuana concealed behind boxes containing TV screens in a vehicle bound for Canada.
Sources say that at least two other cases have occurred recently where the security of major companies has been breached by gangs intending to slip contraband into legitimate shipments intended for export. Businesses have responded by hiring more security personnel and installing increased preventative measures such as video cameras.
According to Deborah Riner, chief economist for the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico, spending on security and insurance by foreign companies has increased. "Ten years ago security costs simply didn't figure into discussions of the cost structure. Now they do." She added that security spending probably makes up one percent or less of a company's operating costs.
Crimes such as kidnappings and hijackings have been a problem in Mexico for some years, with some businesses protecting employees with bodyguards and employing bullet-proof vehicles for transportation.
subscribe
news archive