Favourite Expat Retirement Haven In Mexico Now Invaded By Drug Cartels

As British expats fearing the Brexit effect in Europe explore other world destinations, one favourite retirement haven is being invaded by drug cartels.

Mexico has long been the choice of American retirees, with the charming town of San Miguel de Allende home to a large expatriate community. Recently, British expats in EU member states who’re now searching for a post-Brexit alternative have been researching Latin American destinations long favoured by their American equivalents.

At first glance, San Miguel with its colonial architecture, neo-Gothic churches and cobblestone streets seems a strong possibility, but the bad news is that rival drug cartels are moving in and taking over. Expats already in residence are devastated by the development, as murder rates are on the increase and shakedowns of local businesses are now common. According to one restaurant owner, drug-related crime in San Miguel was almost unheard of just a few short months ago.

The formerly peaceful town is now firmly on the list of other unsafe expat destinations including Cancun, Los Cabos and Mexico's capital city itself. For Britons looking to escape Spain’s Costa del Sol and its soaring drug cartel-related street violence, San Miguel is simply another possible destination crossed off the list for expats who can speak some Spanish and are attracted to Mexico’s laid-back lifestyle.

The now beleaguered city is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site being invaded by drug-related organised crime, with its 10,000 and more expats caught in the middle. According to one expert, the drug-related violence in the formerly safe city is an indication that Mexico in general is no longer a secure destination for expats.