Canadian Journalist Stranded in Puerto Vallarta Amid Cartel Violence
Canadian journalist Dan Dicks found himself in a nightmare scenario while on assignment in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. What began as a routine trip covering a conference quickly descended into chaos as violent clashes erupted following the death of notorious drug lord El Mencho.
A Peaceful Vacation Turns to Horror
Dicks, who operates the independent media outlet Press for Truth, had been in Puerto Vallarta for five days when the situation dramatically changed. "I had been there for five days, and everything was fine," Dicks recalled. He had planned to enjoy a final day of relaxation before returning to Canada, but instead found himself documenting scenes reminiscent of an apocalyptic movie.
The violence erupted after Mexican government forces killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In retaliation, cartel members unleashed widespread destruction across the popular tourist destination.
War Zone Conditions in Paradise
"It was like a war zone," Dicks described. "There were burning cars everywhere. It was intense." The journalist witnessed vehicles and buses exploding, gas stations and local businesses set ablaze, and even a plane burning at the airport. At one point, he observed a pickup truck with eight armed, masked individuals patrolling the streets.
Mexican authorities report that more than 70 people have died in the violence, primarily cartel members and some Mexican National Guard personnel. Officials are still assessing potential collateral damage to tourists and local civilians caught in the crossfire.
Thousands of Canadians Stranded
The violence has created a travel crisis for approximately 30,000 Canadians currently in the region. All Canadian carriers, including Air Canada, Porter Airlines, and WestJet, have cancelled flights out of Puerto Vallarta. Despite the dire situation, Canada has not announced any evacuation flights for its citizens.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand addressed the situation on Monday, stating that her Mexican counterpart indicated "the situation should stabilize in the coming days" and that this was "a targeted operation which will not continue." However, Anand acknowledged that "the situation remains fluid" and advised Canadians to follow local authorities' directions.
Growing Frustration Among Stranded Travelers
Dicks expressed frustration with the lack of concrete assistance, noting he's been forced to book multiple nights at his hotel at increasingly expensive rates. "I am stranded here," he said. "So many Canadians are. We have no idea when we can come home or how we will come home."
The travel disruption extends beyond cancelled flights. Some resorts have become double-booked, leaving tourists without accommodations. Roads and infrastructure have been damaged by the cartel violence, making transportation difficult even for those who could reach the airport.
Government Responses and Warnings
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has warned residents against traveling to Mexico, suggesting they consider "another island" or destinations within Canada instead. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged citizens and visitors to "stay calm" while insisting that most parts of the country continue normal operations.
For Dicks and thousands of other Canadians, the advice comes too late. The journalist continues to report from Puerto Vallarta, documenting the aftermath of what he describes as "absolute mayhem" that transformed a tropical paradise into a dangerous conflict zone overnight.
