标签： Belize

In a significant development along Belize’s northern border, the Belize Coast Guard has intercepted a large quantity of contraband goods near the Corozal Free Zone. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, revealed exclusive details about the operation in an interview with News Five. Bennett highlighted the increasing challenges in the northern region, particularly along the Rio Hondo River, which serves as a boundary between Belize and Mexico. He emphasized the Coast Guard’s intensified efforts in the area, culminating in a major seizure on October 12. The contraband, discovered on the Belizean riverbank, was believed to be en route to Mexico. Despite the successful operation, no suspects were apprehended as they fled the scene. The seized items were promptly handed over to the Police and Customs Departments under the supervision of a Justice of the Peace. Bennett expressed concerns about the movement of goods in and out of the Corozal Free Zone, noting that the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction does not extend within the Free Zone itself. He speculated that the contraband originated from the Free Zone, raising questions about its security dynamics. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton, who called for urgent action to address what she described as rampant corruption and criminal influence in the Free Zone. Panton warned that Mexican criminal elements, allegedly supported by politically connected individuals, were controlling operations, including the clearance of goods and the imposition of illicit fees. She highlighted a pervasive culture of fear among business owners and employees, who remain silent due to intimidation. Panton stressed that illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and counterfeit cigarette trade, pose a direct threat to national security and Belize’s international reputation. The seizure underscores the pressing need for enhanced oversight and security measures in the region.

In a significant legal development, the Belize City Magistrates Court dismissed charges against Nicaraguan doctor Carlos Saborio Coze, 51, on November 17, 2025. Coze had been accused of administering a noxious substance to a Venezuelan nurse at Little John’s Restaurant on November 13, 2024. The nurse claimed to have seen surveillance footage suggesting Coze tampered with his unattended drink and later experienced a loss of awareness until December 2. However, the Chief Magistrate upheld a no-case submission by Coze’s attorney, Richard “Dickie” Bradley, citing critical gaps in the prosecution’s case. Bradley highlighted the absence of immediate medical tests and the lack of evidence linking Coze to the alleged act. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to meet the legal threshold required to proceed with the trial, leading to the dismissal of all charges.

Residents of Santa Cruz, Santa Elena, in the Cayo District are voicing urgent concerns over a hazardous lamp post that poses a significant risk to the community. Elihu Yacab, a local representative, revealed that residents have repeatedly alerted him about the unstable structure, which he highlighted in a live video. Despite these efforts, no remedial action has been taken. Yacab emphasized, “The lamp post is in a precarious state and could collapse at any moment. Immediate intervention is crucial to avert a potential disaster.” Mayor Earl Trapp of San Ignacio/Santa Elena acknowledged the issue, stating that he has escalated the matter to the relevant authorities and will provide updates. Stella Armstrong, a community member, pointed out that the soil surrounding the lamp post has been eroding for the past two years, further exacerbating the danger. She expressed particular concern for the nearby Santa Cruz Primary School, located just 75 yards away, as the lamp post stands at a key access point to the school. Despite the growing alarm, authorities have yet to implement any visible measures to secure the post, leaving residents anxious and frustrated.

In a significant development, Belizean authorities have arrested 25-year-old Gian Eldred Waight, a construction worker from Cayo, in connection with the brutal murder of Canadian businesswoman Marty Ann Thorne. The arrest took place in Guatemala, where Waight was detained and subsequently handed over to Belizean police. Thorne, the cherished owner of Raw Spa Cabañas in Bullet Tree Falls, had been a long-time resident of Belize, deeply embedded in the local community. The shocking incident occurred one week prior to the arrest, leaving friends and neighbors in profound grief. Michael Waight, a neighbor and long-time friend of Thorne, expressed his devastation, recalling her as a kind and gentle soul who had no known enemies. ‘Ms. Thorne was a good person, very friendly, like family. I never saw her with enemies,’ he said. As the investigation continues, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, leaving those close to Thorne searching for answers.

The Indian Creek Village Council has escalated its concerns over a deepening rift with the village’s Alcalde, calling for an urgent meeting with Maya leaders to address the growing tensions. In a series of formal letters addressed to the Maya Leaders Alliance, the Toledo Alcalde Association (TAA), and DAVCO, Council Chairman Domingo Choc accused the Alcalde of acting unilaterally, undermining council decisions, and disseminating false information. Choc emphasized that the council could no longer tolerate such behavior, stating, ‘We can no longer operate with an Alcalde who is acting contrary to the decisions of the Village Council and who has presented false information against us as a governing body.’ The council also demanded a public apology following allegations made by the Alcalde during a recent public meeting, where he claimed the council was selling land to foreigners—a claim the council vehemently denies. The council described the accusations as ‘false and defamatory,’ noting that they have severely damaged the village’s reputation and eroded public trust. In its letter, the council warned that failure to address these issues promptly could result in legal action. To resolve the conflict, the Village Council has invited leaders from DAVCO, TAA, and the Maya Leaders Alliance to a community meeting scheduled for November 21 at the Indian Creek Community Centre.

Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has issued a stark warning about escalating corruption, criminal influence, and fear within Belize’s Corozal Free Zone, urging immediate national attention. Panton emphasized that the situation poses a significant threat to Belizeans, particularly those in northern border communities who rely on the Zone for their livelihoods. She revealed that Mexican criminal elements, allegedly shielded by politically connected individuals, are now controlling operations within the Zone. These groups reportedly dictate cargo clearance processes, impose arbitrary fees, and create an atmosphere of fear among business owners and employees, who remain silent out of concern for their safety. Panton highlighted the prolonged delays in cargo processing, with containers left idle for weeks, driving up business costs. She criticized the lack of response from key government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Commerce, and Border Security, despite the growing crisis. Additionally, Panton raised alarms about the illegal movement of counterfeit cigarettes and illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, within the Zone and nearby border areas, warning of severe implications for Belize’s national security, financial integrity, and international reputation. She also noted that neighboring countries are closely monitoring the situation, potentially pressuring Belize’s Prime Minister and his allies to act.

On the evening of November 18, 2025, police responded to reports of gunfire near the Phillip Goldson Highway, close to the popular nightlife venue, Social Lounge. Woodrow Reyes was arrested on charges of possessing a firearm while under the influence. Shell casings found at the scene were collected for forensic analysis to determine if the weapon in Reyes’ possession was used in the incident. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith detailed the events, stating that officers from Precinct Four conducted a vehicle search leading to Reyes’ arrest. Social Lounge management swiftly addressed media speculation, clarifying that the shooting occurred approximately 150 yards away on the public highway and did not involve their establishment. They emphasized that the venue remained safe and operational throughout the evening, with no disturbance reported on their premises. The incident has sparked discussions about public safety in the area, while authorities continue their investigation.