A heated debate has emerged in Belize following the discovery of a bulletproof SUV parked within the Corozal Free Zone. The vehicle, a 2021 Land Rover Defender equipped with ballistic protection, was imported under a temporary permit granted to Jose Vela, a prominent figure in the Free Zone’s operations. The permit, issued in October, allowed the vehicle to enter Belize duty-free but restricted its use to the Zone. However, the approval process has come under scrutiny, with reports suggesting that top officials, including the Commissioner of Police and the former Minister of Defense, were involved. None have publicly acknowledged their role in authorizing the permit, prompting an ongoing investigation by Customs. Vela, who survived a targeted shooting in September near Paraiso Village, is believed to have acquired the vehicle as a precautionary measure. Prime Minister John Briceño has stated that there is no law prohibiting the import of bulletproof vehicles, emphasizing that such measures are common among businesses and individuals seeking enhanced security. Nonetheless, the incident has raised significant concerns about border security and regulatory oversight in the region.