Mexico fears Colombian narcos may sneak in as World Cup fans
Mexican authorities are working to stop Colombians linked with local drug cartels from using the 2026 World Cup to enter the country as fans. Security officials in Jalisco State say they are on high alert ahead of the tournament, which will bring tens of thousands of visitors to host city Guadalajara. Roberto Alarcon, Jalisco’s coordinator for strategic security, said there is a growing trend of Colombian ex soldiers and former guerrillas being recruited by organised crime in Mexico. He noted that some foreign nationals had already been turned back after failing to clearly explain the purpose of their visit. Officials fear that as the World Cup draws closer, foreign recruits could try to slip in using tourist packages and match tickets as cover. Alarcon warned that Guadalajara is an attractive base for certain criminal groups seeking to expand their operations. […]
