"...The officer demanded that he give him this money, and then told him to return home and be thankful that he was still alive.

I have been stopped several times while driving in Mexico for bogus traffic infractions -- everytime I have simply paid the "fine" at the scene and moved on. It is very helpfull to keep the majority of your money in a separate pocket, as the "fine" is typically whatever amount you can produce..."

And that my friends is why I don't venture south of the border.

As for getting onboard a cruise ship, Norwegian Cruise lines has you go thru a metal detector, your "stuff" goes thru an x-ray. All of the security people are from Nepal (former Gurkas???). Take a flashlight, signal mirror, whistle, leave the rest at home and enjoy the ride...