Hugo Casanova and Melin Vasquez Are Back in Belize

Belizeans Milin Vasquez and Hugo Casanova were serving time behind bars in neighboring Chetumal since February 2013. They were arrested when they were busted at the house of notorious Mexican dealer, Carlos Cabanas Catzin, known as the Monster. In the house, the Mexican navy found with two million dollars worth of crystal meth.  There were further allegations linking Casanova to a double murder and their involvement with drug cartels while in prison.  But over the weekend, their case was successfully defended before a judge who released them on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence linking the duo to the crystal meth and that the raid at the house was illegal because there was no warrant. It means that Casanova and Vasquez are free men. This morning, the Minister of National Security, John Saldivar was asked about Tuesday’s release of the men.

John Saldivar

John Saldivar, Minister of National Security

“We have been informed by Mexican authorities. I do believe that it has if not already occurred, but we were informed prior to it happening. They had served their time in Mexico and unless there were charges awaiting them here in Belize, they are free, they are Belizeans…they are free to roam about as they please. But I am sure that the police department is checking into the possibility of old charges against them from before, if they exist. But as long as those don’t exist, they are Belizeans and they are free to move about. I am sure that the police department, if they feel it necessary, will keep some sort of surveillance on them, but that is as far as we can go. We cannot infringe on any of their liberties; they already served their time in Mexico.”

Duane Moody

“So they’ve already been turned over to Belize?”

John Saldivar

“Well I have to confirm that, but I believe from the correspondence that I saw that it might have occurred already.”