State Department warns of dangerous alcohol in Mexico after a family tragedy

The US Department of State warns Americans who are traveling to Mexico about possible substandard or counterfeit alcohol, which causes discomfort or loss of consciousness. Update information occurred after numerous complaints, including subsequent cases of violence, fractures and brain death.

The department on Wednesday, July 26, updated its information page on Mexico, warning those who drink alcohol to do "it in moderation, and if you start to feel bad, stop drinking and seek medical help."

“The safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad is one of our highest priorities,” a department official responded in an email to the Journal. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

This warning came after the magazine published an investigation into a case involving a girl from Wisconsin who questioned the quality of alcoholic beverages at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.

After the first publication of the journal Sentinel I received letters from more than three dozen people who reported similar problems after drinking alcohol at resorts.

“Following these reports and in consultation with our officials in Mexico, we have updated our information for Mexico to provide updated data on potentially hazardous alcohol,” the department said in a statement.

So, 20-year-old Abby Connor from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, died in January of this year after she was pulled out of the pool in Paraíso del Mar, which is part of the Iberostar resorts near Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Doctors ascertained brain death, and a few days after arriving in Florida, the girl was disconnected from the life support apparatus.

Her brother, 22-year-old Austin, said that he also lost consciousness, resulting in a bruised forehead and severe concussion. These two young men flew with their mother and stepfather to the resort just a few hours before the tragedy and drank in the bar.

Many others told the magazine Sentinel similar cases, and several couples reported losing consciousness at the same time. A woman from Nina, Wisconsin, said she was sexually abused, and her husband woke up with a broken arm.

Cases of loss of consciousness occurred in the ownership of Iberostar in Cancún and in the group of resorts of the company in 30 miles (48 km) to the south in Playa del Carmen. Similar incidents also occurred at other resorts in the region with the system "all inclusive".

Often vacationers reported that they drank tequila, but in other cases it was rum, beer or other alcohol.

Although the State Department’s new warning says about moderate consumption of beverages, those who experienced low-quality alcohol said they drank one or two servings, then fainted and came to their senses after a few hours. However, they could not remember how they returned to the room or were taken to hospital.

A lawyer working with the Connor family recently visited the Paraiso del Mar pool, where they found a girl. He noted in the report that "they serve drinks with poor quality alcohol and in large quantities, mixing different types of alcohol."

A report from the Mexican tax administration from 2015 says that 43% of all alcohol consumed in the country is fake.

According to a report from the Federal Commission on 2017 of the year in Mexico, more than 5,3 million liters of counterfeit alcohol were seized in Mexico from 2010 of the year. The confiscation took place not only in small local establishments, but also in hotels and other entertainment areas.

Falsified liquor could have alcohol or hazardous concentrations of methanol - a cheaper alternative to ethanol production, according to government reports.

Iberostar’s statement says that the company adheres to strict regulatory standards and noted that they “only buy sealed bottles (alcohol) that satisfy all regulatory standards.”

In addition, a company representative wrote in an email that as soon as the girl was in the pool, the resort staff responded accordingly.

“From the moment the guests were discovered in the pool, IBEROSTAR employees acted promptly, following established protocols,” the letter said. “We reiterate that we are deeply saddened by this incident and we take this matter seriously.”

A State Department warning states:

“US citizens have sent a large number of complaints about unethical business practices, prices and fees in relation to some private hospitals in Cancún, the Riviera Maya and Cabo San Lucas. Travelers should make an effort to obtain complete information about billing, pricing and the proposed medical procedure before agreeing to any medical assistance in these places. ”

The State Department also said that US citizens should contact the nearest US embassy or consulate in Mexico.

"The embassy is ready to provide relevant consular services to any needy US citizens."

Read also on ForumDaily:

What documents are needed if you are going on a cruise

How much can you save if you put off $ 1 for a lifetime?

19 ideas for traveling the US by train

How much to pay to see the main attractions of the United States

Personal experience. How to travel cheap in the USA

10 simple travel and vacation tips

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.