Guatemala Swept by Gangs that Mug Tourists

At least four gangs specialized in mugging and robbing tourists are currently operating in Guatemala, a situation that has driven local authorities to launch out a nationwide plan aimed at thwarting their criminal activities and safeguarding foreign travelers. Guatemala’s leisure industry has turned out to be a major source of income money for the country with as many as $600 million in 2003 alone.

Guatemala’s Government Minister Arturo Soto informed that law enforcement agencies have already determined the areas where surveillance will be beefed up dramatically, and added the Tourism Police Department –right now with a payroll of 325 agents on the beat- will jack up that figure to 800 well-trained officers.