Entrepeneur Opens Tourist Doors To Mexico

Itching to get some expensive dental work done? In the market for a funky airbrushed velvet painting? Maybe in the mood to knock back dollar shots of tequila in a Juárez cantina and “dance” with the local ladies?

Wait no longer.

After a year of violence and bloodshed in the Mexico border towns, one area man has turned tragedy into profit and opportunity.

“This started from personal interest,” says Naven Johnson. “I used to zip down to Juárez almost every Sunday to pick up various items – like a bag of beans, some mangos, pots, grab a burrito. Stuff like that. Then the bullets started flying and I was like ‘Naw, man.’ ”

Since early 2008 the borderland cities of Juárez, Chihuahua, and Palomas have developed into de-facto war zones with multiple homicides occurring on a daily basis. The conflicts derive from competition between various drug runners jockeying toward first position for smuggling dope into the United States.

“Yeah, well...the obvious answer is for the two governments to legalize and regulate the drug trade, seeing as it’s so blatantly lucrative and increasingly in demand,” stated Johnson. “But The Man profits enormously as it is, so they just call it the “War on Drugs” and make it harder for the average college stoner to score a bag of weed so he can chill on the couch all weekend. Then I was, like, cha-ching!”

Naven Johnson, founder, showing how his patented security vest looks before being covered with an authentic, bulky poncho

Johnson is referring to the brainstorm he had that led him on the path toward safe travel across the border. With a nominal investment in a dozen form-fitting bulletproof vests, shatter-proof helmets designed to fit comfortably under a large sombrero, and pull-on leg guards made of a flexible poly-alloy material - Borderland Securities LLC was born.

Since its inception, Borderland Securities LLC has allowed over 3 dozen individuals to cross the border, do stuff, and return safely. Clients are outfitted with police-grade bulletproof material surrounding the torso, neck, and thighs. In addition to repelling bullets, the material contains a layer of chainmail strong enough to stop a knife blade. Further protective items include a billowy poncho designed to cover the vest, a “typical tourist” sombrero to cover the safety helmet, and various authentic-looking recording devices in the event a kidnapping takes place.

“I’ve designed this costume from top to bottom with all possibilities in mind,” says Johnson. “If you’re walking around in the Juárez mercado and bullets start flying, you’re gonna be ok. And if someone gets stupid and thinks you’d be a worthwhile kidnapping target, they’ll take one look at all the wires and duct tape on your chest and back and think again. No one messes with surveillance equipment, and it looks like the real thing.”

Johnson also provides his clients with a ten-minute “prep session” and gives them a pamphlet filled with handy phrases – such as “Mi familia no tienen dinero” (“My family does not have money”) – to assist them should a challenging situation arise.

Johnson says he also suggests to his American clients to act “drunk and stupid” and carry several $20 bills in their hand because most Mexican vendors and businesses are used to that and will pay no attention, allowing the client to blend in.

Borderland Securities LLC is currently accepting reservations one day in advance as long as enough equipment is in stock. Rental fees are $24 per person for a 24 hour period (with a $500 refundable security deposit if all equipment is returned in good condition and without holes or stains).

“A dollar an hour...” ponders Johnson. “I betcha your life is worth that, right? I figure if someone doesn’t come back after 24 hours they won’t ever be coming back and unfortunately I have to retain the security deposit to cover costs.”

Johnson states he hopes to see the border violence quell as soon as possible.