(WFRV) – A group of travelers from Green Bay is stranded in Puerto Vallarta after violent clashes tied to a major drug cartel have shut down roads across western Mexico.
Officials from a local Green Bay-based business, Lenny’s Tap, told local five that they make a trip, inviting friends, customers, and family every year, the week after the Super Bowl, for what they call a “winter break.”
This year, they say 33 people signed up, with about 30 of them being from Green Bay. As they attempted to reach the airport to return home, violence erupted, roads were blocked, and their bus was stopped, forcing the group safely back to their resort where they will stay until there is a safe window to travel home.
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The violent outbreaks come as the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, El Mencho, was killed by Mexican Special Forces during a military operation.
Authorities say El Mencho’s death sparked violence, including burning vehicles and highway blockades in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, causing Mexican officials to activate emergency protocols, urging residents to shelter in place. Several airlines have also canceled a number of flights amid the unrest in the area.
So this was one of the most significant actions undertaken in the history of drug trafficking because we’re talking about someone that is almost at the same level as Chapo Guzman and El Mayo Zambada. He’s one of the Biggest drug capos in the history of drug trafficking around the globe.
Mike Vigil, Former DEA Chief of International Operations
Officials say the cartel has moved beyond just drugs and are now said to be moving into the avocado and citrus industries, stealing lumber, and even targeting the fishing business to expand its profits.
Local Five will look to remain in contact with the Green Bay travelers from Lenny’s Tap and provide updates as they await their return home.
