Trio of Guatemalans Detained in Ceibo Chico

We’ll have more urban violence coming up, but deep inside the Chiquibul Forest, a trio of Guatemalans was detained after being found with a quantity of suspected cannabis in the area of Ceibo Chico. On Saturday, a detail of law enforcement officers, including members of the Belize Defense Force, the Belize Police Department and Friends of Conservation and Development, was conducting a foot patrol in an area eight kilometers east of the Belize/Guatemala border when the men were encountered.  They have since been identified as Juan Che Zuc, Pablo Martinez and Jeconias Che Xol, all from Narajon, Dolores Peten.  They were found in possession of three hundred and sixty-six grams of suspected marijuana.  News Five spoke by phone with Acting B.D.F. Deputy Commander Louis Sutherland says charges are pending on the trio.

On the Phone: Lt. Col. Louis Sutherland, Acting Deputy Commander, B.D.F.

“It was a joint B.D.F. patrol along with FCD personnel, as well as members of The Belize Police Department.  This happened in the area of Ceibo Chico, about eight kilometers east of the border.  So it was well within Belize.  There were three Guatemalan nationals and when the patrol interrogated them, they were acting suspicious so what they did was to conduct searches on them and they discovered three hundred and sixty-six grams of suspected marijuana.  These guys were taken to the San Ignacio Police Station and handed over to police there.”

Isani Cayetano

“Have there been any other operations within that area since or ongoing?”

On the Phone: Lt. Col. Louis Sutherland

“Well we have, if you will recall that there is a CT in that area so patrols are ongoing.”

Isani Cayetano

“Okay.”

On the Phone: Lt. Col. Louis Sutherland

“So we maintain military presence in that area.”

It is expected that the Guatemalan men will also be charged for immigration and forestry offences.