Authorities in Belize have launched a coordinated nationwide offensive against illegal logging operations, resulting in significant legal penalties and multiple ongoing prosecutions. The enforcement initiative, spearheaded by the Forest Department in collaboration with the Programme for Belize, Belize Defence Force, and local police, has uncovered substantial unauthorized timber harvesting across different regions.
In a major operation on January 9, enforcement teams intercepted five individuals in the Shipyard area of Orange Walk District found in possession of 31 mahogany logs without valid harvesting or possession permits. The suspects were apprehended and formally charged with unlawful possession of forest produce. The confiscated timber remains secured under Forest Department custody as judicial proceedings continue.
Just two days later on January 11, maritime authorities discovered another significant violation aboard the vessel ‘Surveyor’ near Caye Caulker. The inspection revealed 25 palm logs, each measuring approximately 16 feet in length, transported without required forestry permits or seaworthy certification. Three individuals—Ronal Noe Martinez, Donald Guevara, and Johan Penner—were detained in connection with the incident.
Penner subsequently entered a guilty plea in court and received a substantial penalty of BZ$7,500 plus court costs, with payment required by December 2027. Failure to comply with the financial penalty carries a potential one-year prison sentence. Additionally, Penner faces separate charges from the Belize Port Authority for maritime regulatory violations.