A 25-year-old American entertainer’s vacation in Belize took an unexpected turn when customs officials discovered marijuana in his luggage upon arrival. Elijah Quartey Mack, a Texas native, landed at Philip Goldson International Airport on Monday via a Delta flight from Atlanta. During a routine baggage inspection, officers uncovered three vacuum-sealed bags of cannabis, totaling just over a quarter pound.
The following day, Mack appeared before a senior magistrate without legal representation. He entered a guilty plea, expressed remorse, and clarified that he had no intention of disrespecting Belizean laws, acknowledging the differing marijuana regulations between the U.S. and Belize. While recreational cannabis is legal in some U.S. states, Texas, Mack’s home state, maintains strict prohibitions against possession of any amount. Even in Atlanta, where his journey began, only small quantities (less than an ounce) have been decriminalized.
Rather than facing jail time, Mack was fined $2,700, a reduction from the original penalty. He promptly paid the fine and was released the same day. The incident highlights the importance of understanding and adhering to local laws when traveling internationally.