The northern state of Sinaloa continues to enforce its ban on cartel-themed Halloween costumes, such as dressing up as infamous drug lords.
Outlawed costumes include those depicting cartel leaders, like Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzman, or his son Ovidio, execution victims and outfits that include replica firearms. People who decorate their houses as killing sites or hang mock bodies from trees, as well as those who use their cars to simulate kidnappings, will also be charged under the laws.
Sinaloa’s Secretary of Public Protection asked those dressing up for Halloween to “avoid justifying criminals and to behave civilly.”
Those found guilty of wearing indecent costumes face a fine of between 1,037 pesos (US $58) to 15,561 pesos (US $870). Under the Federal Penal Code, those who glorify violence may also receive a community service sentence of up to 180 days.
The state is home to the notorious Sinaloa Cartel and has been plagued by organized crime and violence for decades. Public security officials will patrol 18 municipalities in their search for partygoers who may flout the ban on cartel-themed costumes.
Last year saw 47 people arrested for indecent Halloween costumes in the cities of Culiacán, Los Mochis and Mazatlán. A further 40 vehicle owners were fined for pretending to transport kidnapping victims.
With reports from El Financiero
