In a significant crackdown on illicit trade, the Belize Coast Guard has intercepted a large shipment of contraband cigarettes near the Corozal Free Zone, raising concerns about security and oversight in one of the country’s busiest commercial hubs. The operation, conducted around midnight on October 12, 2025, targeted suspicious cargo believed to be destined for Mexico. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, confirmed the seizure, stating that the cargo was discovered outside the zone’s permit area. Despite the successful interception, no individuals were detained as they fled upon the Coast Guard’s approach. The seized goods were promptly handed over to the police and customs departments in the presence of a justice of the peace. Admiral Bennett emphasized the Coast Guard’s increased operations in the northern border region, particularly around the Rio Hondo River, which has become a hotspot for illicit activities. While the exact origin of the cargo remains under investigation, authorities suspect it may have originated from the Corozal Free Zone. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in combating cartel influence and illegal trade in the region.