Belize City law enforcement authorities have concluded an extraordinarily productive year with a significant operational triumph. On December 30, 2025, a meticulously planned intelligence operation culminated in the discovery of substantial illegal contraband concealed within mangrove vegetation adjacent to Nutmeg Street in the Lake Independence district.
The coordinated effort between Special Branch operatives and Eastern Division Precinct Two officers yielded an impressive arsenal: one AR-15 rifle, 105 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two high-capacity drum magazines, 45 rounds of 7mm ammunition, and two tactical ballistic vests. This seizure represents the culminating achievement in a year of unprecedented enforcement success.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, Staff Officer, provided comprehensive statistics demonstrating the scale of this enforcement victory. The Belize Police Department’s 2025 totals include 234 illegally possessed firearms removed from circulation, with ammunition seizures reaching 7,477 rounds. Enforcement actions resulted in 194 individuals facing formal charges for weapons-related violations.
Firearm classification data reveals handguns dominated seizures with 123 nine-millimeter pistols confiscated, alongside 14 high-powered rifles and various other caliber weapons including .38 revolvers and shotguns.
The narcotics enforcement achievements proved equally remarkable. Authorities intercepted 705,638 grams of cannabis, 41,784 grams of cocaine, and over 5,000 grams of crack cocaine destined for distribution networks. These enforcement measures led to 1,562 individuals being charged with drug trafficking offenses throughout the review period.