KAWARTHA LAKES-It looks like paradise and for Peggy and Chuck it has been an amazing winter getaway spot for the last 15 years. This year is the first time they have ever been advised to take shelter.
“We have been coming here for 15 years and no…nothing like this! Very safe area for us. A lot of Canadians and Americans retire here.” Peggy told Kawartha 411 News from her condo in Sinaloa State on Thursday night. “There was an order by the government and Sinaloa state was shut down. No one could leave or come into the state. All stores, restaurants, banks, everything including highways were closed. Heavy presence of the army has been reported to us. All the staff at the condo except security was sent home immediately!”
Violence erupted across the northwest region of the country on Thursday following the arrest of a notorious drug cartel leader. Mexican authorities have confirmed the arrest of Ovidio Guzman, a 32-year-old member of the Sinaloa Cartel and a son of kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman who is in jail.
The property manager where Peggy and Chuck stay sent out a notice to all guests on Thursday.
“Dear customers; Due to the actual situation that is taking place in the state, we recommend for your own safety, that you stay at home until we have further news that it is safe to circulate on our city. Please stay home and be safe.”
The Canadian Government issued a Travel Advisory for Sinaloa State on Thursday evening stating:
- limit your movements and shelter in place if possible
- avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- don’t attempt to cross road blockades, even if they appear unattended
- allow extra time to reach your destination
- expect an increased presence of security forces
- contact your airline or tour operator to change your travel arrangements if necessary
- monitor local media for information on the evolving situation follow the instructions of local authorities
For the full advisory click here:https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico?wbdisable=true
The couple, who live in the Coboconk area, say they are in a safe place but are concerned about the lack of information they are able to receive.
“It’s hard to get information, the news as all here is Spanish. Guess l should have studied more of my lessons! We are not feeling threatened here as we would not be a target property however we are pretty surprised as this has always been a safe area.”
NOTE: We are not using their full names or exact location in order to protect their safety and security.
