Contrabandistas Retaliate for Closure of Old Border Bridge

There was another border incident over the weekend in the north. Last week we reported that the Governments of Belize and Mexico had agreed to close the Chactemal area, which is the old Subteniente Lopez border crossing. The move was to deter contraband from the Free Zone spilling into Mexico. Well over the weekend the situation became volatile and the new border crossing was partially closed by contrabandistas known as fayuqueros. They blocked the road with branches and cement blocks for about an hour on Sunday afternoon until the Mexican authorities were able to regain control on the area.  Belizeans were notified to exercise caution when traveling across the border because of previous threats made against law enforcement.