In a significant legal development, two siblings formerly associated with the Customs Department appeared before the Chief Magistrate on December 3, 2025, facing serious charges related to one of the nation’s largest marijuana importation cases. Cheryl Castillo-Moreno and Athlee Castillo arrived at Court #1 shortly before noon, where prosecutors presented them with extensive evidentiary documentation spanning ninety-five pages.
The case originated from their October 2 arraignment, where both defendants were formally charged with abetment to import approximately 151 pounds of high-grade cannabis with an estimated street value reaching millions of dollars. According to investigative reports, the controlled substances were allegedly smuggled from the United States concealed within shipments falsely declared as ‘bath and body’ products.
The investigation gained momentum when a customs official, prompted by multiple urgent calls demanding clearance authorization, grew suspicious and initiated a thorough inspection of the questionable consignment. Upon examination, authorities discovered meticulously sealed packages containing cannabis rather than the declared cosmetic items.
Both defendants entered pleas of not guilty and were subsequently released on bail bonds set at $20,000 each, under stringent conditions including the surrender of all travel documentation. Their legal representative, prominent attorney Richard Bradley, addressed media outside the courtroom, characterizing the charges as “serious allegations yet to be substantiated.” Bradley further contextualized the case within Belize’s current legislative framework, noting the paradoxical nature of marijuana regulations that permit limited possession while prohibiting legal acquisition or distribution.
The judicial proceedings have been adjourned until February 3, 2026, with the case attracting significant public and institutional attention regarding its implications for customs integrity and drug enforcement policies.