YOUNG GUNS: Kids Play Police Roadblock In Drug Capital Of Mexico

This is the anxious moment when kids in Mexico set up their own police roadblock armed to the teeth with toy guns and homemade bulletproof vests.

The youngsters – aged no more than 11 – were filmed in action in Sinaloa state, home to the country’s most powerful and deadly drug cartels.

The video has since gone viral as watchers say the youngsters are simply copying what they see in real life on the streets every day.

The clip of the three youngsters stopping the car was posted to TikTok on 30th December.

One of the lads can be seen wearing a homemade cardboard bulletproof vest and a helmet.

As he approaches the car window with his toy assault rifle, he asks the driver: “Where are you heading to?”

The man behind the wheel replies: “To the cemetery, pal.”

Three children simulate a checkpoint on a highway in Sinaloa, Mexico, undated photo. The children also used toy weapons. (@joelfelix001/CEN)

The helmeted youngster’s friend – clutching his own toy sub-machine gun – then waves the motorist on his way, telling him: “Pass by, pass by, pass by.”

While some netizens found the clip funny, others thought it sad that the boys had chosen to reenact a scene that is all too common in the country due to crime.

‘Felipe Orozco Acosta’ commented: “It’s a game for them, but it’s so sad to see this in our children, the reality of our Mexico.”

‘David Tapia Vargas’ wrote: “Such proud boys. They’re the ones who will take care of Mexico.”

While another netizen simply said: “Pure Sinaloa, I think.”

Sinaloa is one of Mexico’s most violent states due to the illegal drug trade.

Three children simulate a checkpoint on a highway in Sinaloa, Mexico, undated photo. The children also used toy weapons. (@joelfelix001/CEN)

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises against all but essential travel to most of the state.