A dramatic confrontation between legal authority and constitutional rights unfolded on Belize’s George Price Highway, sparking intense national debate over customs enforcement powers. Prominent attorney Tiffany Cadle has launched scathing accusations against the Customs and Excise Department following a high-speed pursuit she characterizes as an illegal overreach of authority.
The incident originated when Cadle, accompanied by her elderly mother, drove through what she identified as an unauthorized checkpoint in Sandhill. According to the attorney, the checkpoint lacked proper police presence and identifiable law enforcement personnel, featuring instead customs officers who she claims lacked reasonable suspicion to conduct vehicle searches.
Cadle’s real-time documentation via Facebook Live captured the escalating tension as customs vehicles pursued her vehicle to the second roundabout in Belize City, where police intervention eventually occurred. The situation intensified when officers emerged with high-powered rifles before conducting a search that yielded only a black cake and bottles of ‘rum popo’—traditional alcoholic beverages.
The Customs Department has vigorously defended its actions through an official press release, revealing the operation was part of a multi-agency initiative involving the Belize Police Department, Belize Defense Force, Coast Guard, and Immigration Department. Authorities maintain these coordinated efforts are essential for combating smuggling operations and transnational criminal activities, asserting their jurisdictional authority extends beyond traditional ports of entry.
Legal experts are now examining Section Ninety-one of the Customs Regulations, which permits officers to stop and examine vehicles when reasonable suspicion of smuggling exists. Cadle contends this provision was improperly applied in her case and plans to pursue both formal complaints and potential litigation against the department, citing endangerment during the highway interception and violation of constitutional freedom of movement protections.
The incident has ignited broader discussions about law enforcement boundaries, constitutional protections, and the balance between security operations and civil liberties in Belize.