Extorted by police for $200

Date of Incident: 11pm, November 29, 2024

Location: Calle Coahuila

On Friday night, I was targeted by two TJ police officers on Calle Coahuila near the Chicago Club. They put me in handcuffs and into the back of their police truck. They then drove around to dark secluded streets and threatened to jail me. Eventually they parked in an alley and I had to pay them $200 to get released.

Having been to Zona Norte many times, I had always felt there was an invisible force that protected American tourists to a certain extent. You were fine as long as you didn't cause trouble and stayed within the main red light district area and Revolución. Whatever invisible protection that existed before — disappeared for me this past weekend. I saw many others being stopped and searched as well. Much more than usual.

Maybe this is somebody’s way of driving business out of the zona clubs. Or maybe this is part of some turf war. Or maybe it was simply my turn. Whatever the case, it is enough to make me not want to return and spend money in Tijuana.

Edit: Removed names of police officers due to fear of retaliation