Written by Gaby Bartusiak. April 11, 2011

The airport in El Salvador’s capital of San Salvador is the major transfer hub for connecting flights throughout Central America. With a long history of drug trafficking and subsequent related violence, the Government of El Salvador is aggressively tackling this issue. There are giant signs declaring their lack of tolerance, strict penalties and prosecution if found drug trafficking. Heavily armed military and police with drug sniffing dogs pass through crowds both inside and outside security.

Security of this magnitude certainly comes at a premium. The man-power, dog training, ammunition, firearms, uniforms and holsters all add up.

In order to reduce costs, sometimes corners need to be cut.

That must explain the plastic zip-tie securing the nylon holster housing on the firearm of one of the officials. I’m not too sure how that may affect access to drawing his weapon in an emergency, but at least his dog looked well fed!