PBGollaz
Feb 16, 2004, 8:45 AM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: [Robert Velez] Sport of Firearms Competitions
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DANGER! SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES!
Yes, there are hunting and shooting clubs in Mexico. However, before searching them out, Mexican firearms laws should be fully understood. The importation of firearms into Mexico for any reason is so fraught with serious consequences that the U.S. State Department has posted a special advisory message on its website. Mexico has severe penalties for importing any type of firearm, weapon, or ammunition without first obtaining written authorization from Mexican authorities. It does not matter whether U.S. citizens are licensed to carry firearms or ammunition in the United States, or whether they unintentionally transport them while driving in their vehicle, or have them in their luggage while traveling by commercial or private plane or boat. It also does not matter whether visitors to Mexico are U.S. law enforcement or military officials. Mexican authorities strictly enforce laws restricting the entry of firearms and ammunition along their borders and at air or seaports.
Each year dozens of Americans are arrested or fined in Mexico in connection with weapons violations. About 35 U.S. citizens are currently incarcerated in Mexican prisons on weapons-related charges. Many of them inadvertently and innocently transported a firearm or a small amount of ammunition that they were licensed to carry in the United States without realizing that they were violating Mexican laws. Some were merely driving across the border for a day visit, to shop or to eat in a restaurant. Remember that if a visitor is caught bringing in a firearm, ammunition, or other weapon, Mexican authorities may confiscate the person's vehicle or other personal property and place the individual under arrest. Detained Americans may spend months in pre-trial detention while their case is being investigated. If convicted, they may face several years (up to 30!) in a Mexican prison. While a U.S. Consul can visit U.S. citizens in jail, make sure that they are being treated humanely, and provide a list of attorneys to assist with the Mexican judicial process, the U.S. Consul cannot get U.S. citizens released from jail.
U.S. citizens who approach Mexico along the land border or who arrive by boat should check carefully to ensure that someone else has not left weapons or ammunition in the vehicle or boat. If U.S. citizen visitors realize that they are in possession of firearms, ammunition, or other weapons, they should not proceed into Mexico. They should not attempt to enter Mexico - even to turn around - or go through Mexican Customs. All land border crossings have pull-offs or turnarounds on the U.S. side.
The only way to legally import firearms and ammunition into Mexico is to secure a permit in advance from the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C. or from a Mexican Consulate in the United States. Mariners who have obtained a Mexican firearm permit should contact Mexican port officials before attempting to enter Mexican waters, to learn about specific procedures to report and secure weapons and ammunition.
Patrick
Zapopan, Jalisco, México
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