No, of course it wasn't with Rangi. It concerned another issue where Mexico has started to refuse many pickup trucks on the spurious basis that they are cargo trucks - because of an improper reading of their own regulations regarding GMV. In the case I cited, they had been refused and they messaged me for advice. Unfortunately - or maybe fortunately considering they got away with it - I don't look at facebook message requests so by the time I did read their message weeks late they were waiting for the ferry at Panama. If I had given advice it would have been to follow a new procedure that apparently satisfies the Mexicans but which doesn't always work.
This problem comes up about once a week, especially on Baja where there is very little in the way of visual clues that you need to visit immigration and then maybe 100km later, visit aduana. Reason is almost the whole border zone of variable width is a hassle-free zone and there are no barriers or people standing around direct you. I've been involved in exchanges with several travellers who get right down to LaPaz Baja and only realise what they have missed when they try to get on the ferry and need a TVIP for the mainland and are refused because they don't have an FMM which is only available way north.

Yes, you are right - illegal entry is usually taken very seriously and all countries are very jealous of their sovereignty which is why I said " Penalties for illegal entry into any country can be pretty severe"

One thing that should be added is that penalties for overstaying a TVIP can also be very severe. Ecuador apparently charges US$350 A DAY for overstaying and Peru confiscates the whole vehicle without option of a fine

__________________
Tony
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