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Fox News
01-08-2025
- Fox News
Americans in vacation hot spot may see more military than margaritas this summer
Tourists visiting Cancún and Mexico's Riviera Maya this summer are being greeted not just with ocean breezes and poolside cocktails, but by heavily armed patrols. In response to escalating cartel violence and crimes against travelers, the Mexican government has deployed more than 7,000 troops and security personnel to safeguard the country's most popular vacation zones. Since 2021, Mexico has turned to deploying troops and local enforcement to patrol the beaches and tourist hot spots. Former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Senior Special Agent Michael Brown, currently the global director of counter-narcotics technology at Rigaku Analytical Devices, told Fox News Digital that the sight of military rifles may do more to remind travelers of the danger than reassure them of their safety. "The fluidity of Mexican organized crime, gang activity, is constantly moving from one side of the country to the next," he said. "Unfortunately, these high-end tourist areas represent an easy opportunity for organized crime to come, steal, assault, and rob." This summer, the Mexican government has launched an aggressive security campaign across popular tourist destinations in the state of Quintana Roo — home to Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel. Dubbed "Operation Summer Vacation 2025," the initiative was formally announced on July 18 and involves the deployment of more than 7,000 security personnel, including members of the National Guard, Navy, Army, and state and local police. While Operation Summer Vacation 2025 is the largest coordinated seasonal deployment to date, it follows a multi-year pattern of heightened military involvement in Mexico's most lucrative tourist zones. The goal is to safeguard the expected 2 million tourists throughout the summer and early fall months with a coordinated presence of land, air, and sea patrols. "We will not tolerate abuses, illegal fees, or practices that harm individuals. To our tourism service providers, I reiterate: you are the best ambassadors of our state. Your conduct, your ethics, and your commitment will make the difference," Gov. Mara Lezama Espinosa of Quintana Roo said in a news conference, according to Spanish-speaking regional media outlets. Brown views the militarization as a red flag rather than a reassurance. "You're sitting on a beach looking at soldiers. I'm worried about something happening. That really works against the concept of a vacation," he said. "If I'm sitting on a beach looking at the armed military, is that really going to make me relax?" Concerns about traveling to Mexico as an American are not overstated as cases of rampant crime against tourists have prompted the U.S. State Department to issue warnings. The agency issued a Level 2 travel advisory to Quintana Roo, meaning travelers should "exercise increased caution" due to elevated risks connected to property crimes, scams, and occasional violent incidents - even in tourist areas. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico encourages U.S. citizens to remain vigilant at all times, especially in the downtown zones of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum after dusk, and to stick to well-lit, populated areas to reduce vulnerability. Travel alerts also remind visitors of incidents where cartel-related violence and rival gang disconnects, though not necessarily targeted at tourists, have injured innocent bystanders. "If you're going to go to places which represent a certain level of danger, you have to have a plan in place to mitigate that threat, because once it happens, you're not going to see it happen," Brown said. While military patrols may offer some comfort, Brown stressed that personal vigilance is still the most effective safety tool for American tourists, especially women traveling alone or in small groups. Brown recommends tourists carry personal GPS trackers, ideally concealed in a handbag, bracelet, or necklace, and set designated check-in times with family members back home. He also urges travelers to only use transportation arranged by the hotel when staying at resorts and pre-verify the driver's identification and license plate. When it comes to nightlife, the former DEA special agent suggests never accepting drinks from strangers, only consuming beverages opened in front of you, and never leaving the resort alone, especially at night. For cruise-goers or those venturing into local towns, he advises leaving all jewelry, designer items, and large amounts of cash onboard to avoid being targeted. "Have a plan," he said. "Your awareness has to increase significantly the moment you step off that plane." Fox News Digital has reached out to the U.S. State Department for comment.
Business Upturn
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Rigaku Launches Fourth Generation Handheld 1064 nm Raman Analyzer for Chemical Threat Analysis at IAFC HAZMAT 2025
Wilmington, Mass., United States: Rigaku Analytical Devices, a division under Rigaku Holdings Corporation (headquarters: Akishima, Tokyo; President and CEO: Jun Kawakami), announces the launch of its fourth generation 1064 nm Raman analyzers – the Icon series, featuring enhancements in chemical threat analysis for safety and security applications. The first in the series, the Icon-X, will be showcased at The International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference (HAZMAT), hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), in Baltimore, MD USA from June 13-14, 2025. From June 13 onward, we will begin rolling out global sales. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Icon-X Image The Icon-X is the first 1064 nm Raman analyzer to provide standoff chemical analysis allowing users to analyze potentially dangerous substances from a safe distance. This is critical for military, first responders, EOD, and border protection teams who could potentially be exposed to explosive threats, such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), homemade explosives (HMEs), and chemical threats. This new, optional feature also reduces the need for time-consuming sample collection, while allowing responders to assess hazards without disrupting the scene. In addition to the new standoff capability, the Icon-X contains an on-board, comprehensive library of chemical warfare agents (CWAs), explosives, narcotics, toxic industrial chemicals, precursors, cutting agents, and more. The Icon-X features a more ergonomic form factor, with improvements in all areas over previous generations, including: Use of the latest technology for enhanced processing Illuminated keypad and larger, more responsive touchscreen for easier use Optional GPS ability to mark critical scan data for fleet management and sensitive site exploitation Upgraded 13MP camera with LED flash for more clear images Meets the MIL-STD-810H standard for durability, passing tests for shock, pressure, and extreme temperatures. It also has IP68 certification, making it fully dustproof and waterproof—ideal for tough environments and decontamination use New accessories to expand applications, such as a ball probe to scan inside a deep container As criminal networks become more sophisticated with easier access to chemicals and dangerous recipes, the need for first responders to have cutting-edge technology has never been more critical. Based on the success of Rigaku's previous generations of handheld 1064 nm Raman technology, the Icon series provides users with reliable results, allowing them to respond faster, while keeping them safe from exposure. The utilization of 1064 nm Raman technology means users can scan through translucent packaging and identify dirty or mixed substances without fluorescence issues, a common issue for older Raman technology. 'While developing the Icon Series, we considered the years of feedback received from our global network of 1064 nm Raman users and partners,' said Dr. Michael Hargreaves, Vice President of Science & Technology at Rigaku Analytical Devices. 'This allowed us to take a proven, field-accessible technology to the next level, and really expand the capabilities of handheld Raman spectroscopy. ' The Rigaku Icon-X will be demonstrated in booth #314 at the IAFC Hazmat Show in Baltimore, MD USA from June 13-14, 2025. The Rigaku Icon-X joins the award-winning 1064 nm fleet of Rigaku CQL analyzers and is supported by Rigaku's global sales and distribution channels. For more information on the Icon-X, please visit: About the Rigaku Group Since its establishment in 1951, the engineering professionals of the Rigaku group have been dedicated to benefiting society with leading-edge technologies, notably including its core fields of X-ray and thermal analysis. With a market presence in over 90 countries and some 2,000 employees from 9 global operations, Rigaku is a solution partner in industry and research analysis institutes. Our overseas sales ratio has reached approximately 70% while sustaining an exceptionally high market share in Japan. Together with our customers, we continue to develop and grow. As applications expand from semiconductors, electronic materials, batteries, environment, resources, energy, life science to other high-tech fields, Rigaku realizes innovations 'To Improve Our World by Powering New Perspectives.' For details, please visit About Rigaku Analytical Devices Rigaku Analytical Devices is a pioneer in handheld 1064 nm Raman spectroscopy. Our products are trusted by law enforcement departments, government agencies, and security specialists to identify chemical threats. The pharmaceutical manufacturing sector relies on us for quality control. At Rigaku, we are focused on supporting our clients with our global expertise and developing innovative solutions that perform optimally, mitigate new chemical threats, and are always reliable and cost effective. Our rugged products deliver unparalleled accuracy and support for rapid lab-quality results any time, any place. For more information: View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Business Wire
12-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Rigaku Launches Fourth Generation Handheld 1064 nm Raman Analyzer for Chemical Threat Analysis at IAFC HAZMAT 2025
WILMINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rigaku Analytical Devices, a division under Rigaku Holdings Corporation (headquarters: Akishima, Tokyo; President and CEO: Jun Kawakami), announces the launch of its fourth generation 1064 nm Raman analyzers - the Icon series, featuring enhancements in chemical threat analysis for safety and security applications. The first in the series, the Icon-X, will be showcased at The International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference (HAZMAT), hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), in Baltimore, MD USA from June 13-14, 2025. From June 13 onward, we will begin rolling out global sales. The Icon-X is the first 1064 nm Raman analyzer to provide standoff chemical analysis allowing users to analyze potentially dangerous substances from a safe distance. This is critical for military, first responders, EOD, and border protection teams who could potentially be exposed to explosive threats, such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), homemade explosives (HMEs), and chemical threats. This new, optional feature also reduces the need for time-consuming sample collection, while allowing responders to assess hazards without disrupting the scene. In addition to the new standoff capability, the Icon-X contains an on-board, comprehensive library of chemical warfare agents (CWAs), explosives, narcotics, toxic industrial chemicals, precursors, cutting agents, and more. The Icon-X features a more ergonomic form factor, with improvements in all areas over previous generations, including: Use of the latest technology for enhanced processing Illuminated keypad and larger, more responsive touchscreen for easier use Optional GPS ability to mark critical scan data for fleet management and sensitive site exploitation Upgraded 13MP camera with LED flash for more clear images Meets the MIL-STD-810H standard for durability, passing tests for shock, pressure, and extreme temperatures. It also has IP68 certification, making it fully dustproof and waterproof—ideal for tough environments and decontamination use New accessories to expand applications, such as a ball probe to scan inside a deep container As criminal networks become more sophisticated with easier access to chemicals and dangerous recipes, the need for first responders to have cutting-edge technology has never been more critical. Based on the success of Rigaku's previous generations of handheld 1064 nm Raman technology, the Icon series provides users with reliable results, allowing them to respond faster, while keeping them safe from exposure. The utilization of 1064 nm Raman technology means users can scan through translucent packaging and identify dirty or mixed substances without fluorescence issues, a common issue for older Raman technology. 'While developing the Icon Series, we considered the years of feedback received from our global network of 1064 nm Raman users and partners,' said Dr. Michael Hargreaves, Vice President of Science & Technology at Rigaku Analytical Devices. 'This allowed us to take a proven, field-accessible technology to the next level, and really expand the capabilities of handheld Raman spectroscopy. ' The Rigaku Icon-X will be demonstrated in booth #314 at the IAFC Hazmat Show in Baltimore, MD USA from June 13-14, 2025. The Rigaku Icon-X joins the award-winning 1064 nm fleet of Rigaku CQL analyzers and is supported by Rigaku's global sales and distribution channels. For more information on the Icon-X, please visit: About the Rigaku Group Since its establishment in 1951, the engineering professionals of the Rigaku group have been dedicated to benefiting society with leading-edge technologies, notably including its core fields of X-ray and thermal analysis. With a market presence in over 90 countries and some 2,000 employees from 9 global operations, Rigaku is a solution partner in industry and research analysis institutes. Our overseas sales ratio has reached approximately 70% while sustaining an exceptionally high market share in Japan. Together with our customers, we continue to develop and grow. As applications expand from semiconductors, electronic materials, batteries, environment, resources, energy, life science to other high-tech fields, Rigaku realizes innovations 'To Improve Our World by Powering New Perspectives.' For details, please visit About Rigaku Analytical Devices Rigaku Analytical Devices is a pioneer in handheld 1064 nm Raman spectroscopy. Our products are trusted by law enforcement departments, government agencies, and security specialists to identify chemical threats. The pharmaceutical manufacturing sector relies on us for quality control. At Rigaku, we are focused on supporting our clients with our global expertise and developing innovative solutions that perform optimally, mitigate new chemical threats, and are always reliable and cost effective. Our rugged products deliver unparalleled accuracy and support for rapid lab-quality results any time, any place. For more information:
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Yahoo
Spring break warning: Most unlikely American tourist hot spots emerge as deadly risk
The Caribbean has long been a popular spring break destination for Americans, with islands featuring a variety of different cultural experiences, high-end resorts, clear-water beaches and other beloved tourist attractions. The islands depend largely on tourism to help fuel their economies. The Caribbean Tourism Organization estimates that there were approximately 16.3 million overnight stays booked by U.S. citizens in 2023. While many Caribbean islands are considered safe for spring-breakers, tourists should still exercise caution in the region, according to former DEA senior special agent Michael Brown, currently the global director of counter-narcotics technology at Rigaku Analytical Devices. "The Caribbean, although it's an excellent place to vacation, you have to be aware that it also represents one of the largest drug hubs in the Western Hemisphere," Brown told Fox News Digital. "It's also one of the best places — if not the best place in the world — to launder drug proceeds and create offshore accounts. So, again, although it's a nice place to vacation, many of the islands have been compromised. Some are safer than the others." Man On Vacation With Family Goes Overboard On Norwegian Cruise Ship In Bahamas Brown mentioned the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, the Alabama teenager last seen alive on May 30, 2005, leaving a bar in Aruba with her killer, Joran van der Sloot. The Dutch national confessed to killing Holloway on the beach after she refused his sexual advances. He also confessed to killing Stephany Flores Ramírez in Lima, Peru, years later. Read On The Fox News App Faa Suspends Air Traffic To Haiti For 30 Days After 2 Flights From Us Hit By Gunfire Here are the State Department's respective travel advisory rankings for popular Caribbean island destinations: The State Department's Level 1 Travel Advisory represents the lowest travel security risk. The Department notes that while there is some risk in any travel, conditions may vary at any time in countries outside the United States. Taylor Casey Case: Fbi Expert Breaks Down Search For American Woman Missing In Bahamas The Caribbean islands under the Level 1 Advisory designation include Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Sint Maarten, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia. The Level 2 Travel Advisory warns tourists to "be aware of heightened risks to safety and security." Caribbean islands listed under Level 2 include the Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Netherlands Antilles and Turks and Caicos. Americans Arrested In Turks And Caicos Bunk, Pray Together While Awaiting Sentencings: 'A Big Family' "Especially for young women, these areas, these resorts are where predators will look for unsuspecting individuals where they are for vacation," Brown said. "[Visitors] may be drinking too much. They may choose the use of narcotics. Their guard has been let down. The risk, to some extent, is the same." Last year, Turks and Caicos made headlines when five unsuspecting Americans were arrested and detained for months after being caught with ammunition in the linings of their luggage. The islands have since repealed a mandatory 12-year prison punishment for people accused of carrying ammo. An Illinois deputy was recently killed by a stray bullet while vacationing on the islands. WATCH: OKLAHOMA FATHER FREED FROM TURKS AND CAICOS The Dominican Republic, while a relatively safe and popular tourist destination for Americans, borders "Level 4" Haiti. The DR recently bolstered its security at its border with Haiti. "There are significant drug trafficking organizations in the Dominican Republic that move tons of narcotics from the cartels. But the difference is, I believe those groups understand the red line that they should not cross, which can affect tourism. If those groups affect tourism, then the government will come down very hard on them," Brown explained. Jamaica is the only island in the Caribbean with a Level 3 Travel Advisory, meaning tourists should "reconsider travel due to serious risks to safety and security," according to the State Department. Jamaica Spike In Murders Triggers Travel Warning To Americans Visiting Caribbean Island Nation "I recently was in Jamaica for a conference, and although I stayed at a five-star resort, we were told: absolutely do not leave the resort," Brown recalled. "Jamaica has probably one of the highest crime rates and murder rates in the Caribbean." If Americans do venture outside their resorts or hotels in high-crime areas, they should use precaution and consider carrying a tracking device, like an Apple Airtag, so that their loved ones know where they are at all times, Brown suggested. When Americans are no longer within U.S. borders, they no longer have access to "U.S. protection," he explained. "You're dealing, perhaps, with governments who are not concerned about your safety — governments that have certain levels of corruption. You can just disappear," Brown said. The only Caribbean country with a Level 4 Travel Advisory, meaning that Americans are advised not to travel there at all, is Haiti, as it could present "life-threatening risks," and the U.S. government has "very limited ability to provide assistance, including during an emergency." Haiti Prime Minister Ousted By Transition Council After Just 6 Months In Power In fact, the State Department encourages Americans currently in Level 4 territories to leave "as soon as it is safe to do so." The Department also recommends Americans in Level 4 countries write wills prior to traveling and "leave DNA samples in case of worst-case scenarios." "It is completely lawless at this point," Brown said of Haiti. He noted that its neighbor, the DR, takes "extensive precautions to keep the bad elements in Haiti out of the Dominican Republic." Gang violence in the country has reached record levels, killing at least 5,600 people in 2024. A report from the Office of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights said an additional 3,700 were injured or abducted last year. Brown noted that "numerous drug trafficking groups" operating within the Caribbean islands "assist the Colombian, Peruvian and Mexican cartels with moving narcotics through the Caribbean." "I don't want to be an alarmist, but in many cases, drug and sex traffickers and other criminal elements are based in the Caribbean because of the high volume of narcotics that transit through them all the way to the U.S.," he explained. "That creates a very dangerous environment related to the individuals who are there to prey upon what I call the unsuspecting."Original article source: Spring break warning: Most unlikely American tourist hot spots emerge as deadly risk
Fox News
21-02-2025
- Fox News
Spring break warning: Most unlikely American tourist hot spots emerge as deadly risk
The Caribbean has long been a popular spring break destination for Americans, with islands featuring a variety of different cultural experiences, high-end resorts, clear-water beaches and other beloved tourist attractions. The islands depend largely on tourism to help fuel their economies. The Caribbean Tourism Organization estimates that there were approximately 16.3 million overnight stays booked by U.S. citizens in 2023. While many Caribbean islands are considered safe for spring-breakers, tourists should still exercise caution in the region, according to former DEA senior special agent Michael Brown, currently the global director of counter-narcotics technology at Rigaku Analytical Devices. "The Caribbean, although it's an excellent place to vacation, you have to be aware that it also represents one of the largest drug hubs in the Western Hemisphere," Brown told Fox News Digital. "It's also one of the best places — if not the best place in the world — to launder drug proceeds and create offshore accounts. So, again, although it's a nice place to vacation, many of the islands have been compromised. Some are safer than the others." Brown mentioned the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, the Alabama teenager last seen alive on May 30, 2005, leaving a bar in Aruba with her killer, Joran van der Sloot. The Dutch national confessed to killing Holloway on the beach after she refused his sexual advances. He also confessed to killing Stephany Flores Ramírez in Lima, Peru, years later. "You have people who come to these islands, and feel they are untouchable, feel they can break the law." Here are the State Department's respective travel advisory rankings for popular Caribbean island destinations: The State Department's Level 1 Travel Advisory represents the lowest travel security risk. The Department notes that while there is some risk in any travel, conditions may vary at any time in countries outside the United States. The Caribbean islands under the Level 1 Advisory designation include Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Sint Maarten, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia. The Level 2 Travel Advisory warns tourists to "be aware of heightened risks to safety and security." Caribbean islands listed under Level 2 include the Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Netherlands Antilles and Turks and Caicos. "Especially for young women, these areas, these resorts are where predators will look for unsuspecting individuals where they are for vacation," Brown said. "[Visitors] may be drinking too much. They may choose the use of narcotics. Their guard has been let down. The risk, to some extent, is the same." Last year, Turks and Caicos made headlines when five unsuspecting Americans were arrested and detained for months after being caught with ammunition in the linings of their luggage. The islands have since repealed a mandatory 12-year prison punishment for people accused of carrying ammo. An Illinois deputy was recently killed by a stray bullet while vacationing on the islands. WATCH: OKLAHOMA FATHER FREED FROM TURKS AND CAICOS The Dominican Republic, while a relatively safe and popular tourist destination for Americans, borders "Level 4" Haiti. The DR recently bolstered its security at its border with Haiti. "There are significant drug trafficking organizations in the Dominican Republic that move tons of narcotics from the cartels. But the difference is, I believe those groups understand the red line that they should not cross, which can affect tourism. If those groups affect tourism, then the government will come down very hard on them," Brown explained. Jamaica is the only island in the Caribbean with a Level 3 Travel Advisory, meaning tourists should "reconsider travel due to serious risks to safety and security," according to the State Department. "I recently was in Jamaica for a conference, and although I stayed at a five-star resort, we were told: absolutely do not leave the resort," Brown recalled. "Jamaica has probably one of the highest crime rates and murder rates in the Caribbean." If Americans do venture outside their resorts or hotels in high-crime areas, they should use precaution and consider carrying a tracking device, like an Apple Airtag, so that their loved ones know where they are at all times, Brown suggested. "You can just disappear." When Americans are no longer within U.S. borders, they no longer have access to "U.S. protection," he explained. "You're dealing, perhaps, with governments who are not concerned about your safety — governments that have certain levels of corruption. You can just disappear," Brown said. The only Caribbean country with a Level 4 Travel Advisory, meaning that Americans are advised not to travel there at all, is Haiti, as it could present "life-threatening risks," and the U.S. government has "very limited ability to provide assistance, including during an emergency." In fact, the State Department encourages Americans currently in Level 4 territories to leave "as soon as it is safe to do so." The Department also recommends Americans in Level 4 countries write wills prior to traveling and "leave DNA samples in case of worst-case scenarios." "Under no circumstances would I advise even people working for the Peace Corps or church groups to go to Haiti." "It is completely lawless at this point," Brown said of Haiti. He noted that its neighbor, the DR, takes "extensive precautions to keep the bad elements in Haiti out of the Dominican Republic." Gang violence in the country has reached record levels, killing at least 5,600 people in 2024. A report from the Office of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights said an additional 3,700 were injured or abducted last year. Brown noted that "numerous drug trafficking groups" operating within the Caribbean islands "assist the Colombian, Peruvian and Mexican cartels with moving narcotics through the Caribbean." "I don't want to be an alarmist, but in many cases, drug and sex traffickers and other criminal elements are based in the Caribbean because of the high volume of narcotics that transit through them all the way to the U.S.," he explained. "That creates a very dangerous environment related to the individuals who are there to prey upon what I call the unsuspecting."
