New security measures have been implemented in the wake of last Friday’s city and state-wide narcoblockades.
Chief among these is the reinstallation of the military roadblock on the Nogales Highway, just prior to the start of the autopista to Tepic.
This reten (roadblock) operated for several years before closing down in June 2009 amid a security strategy review by armed forces chiefs.
Soldiers manning roadblocks in Mexico are at liberty to stop vehicles and search their interiors. All drivers are strongly advised to comply with their requests.
At least 20 soldiers and four Army vehicles were staffing the Nogales highway roadblock this week. Private vehicles were being filtered through one lane, while trucks and cargo vehicles passed along another.
The roadblock will cause traffic to slow down and inevitably provoke delays at peak times – especially on Sunday evenings when day-trippers head back into the city. This week, some motorists complained of delays of up to 40 minutes to pass through the roadblock.