Police detain 5 in $35 million cocaine bust

At two thousand, five hundred and fifty-four pounds of cocaine, it ranks third behind the March 1997 seizure of a Colombian skiff filled with two thousand nine hundred and ten pounds of the white powder and a similar bust two months later with two thousand six hundred and nine pounds. But the latest discovery occurred on land, not sea, and those thought to be involved are Belizeans, not Colombians. A terse release from the Ministry of National Security today announced that the drugs were found on Wednesday in three separate locations in Ladyville and Tower Hill. Five men have been detained in the investigation, namely Robert Hertular, Adrian Hertular, Sherman Miles, Peter Locke and Frank Young. At a hastily called press conference following the release, Police Commissioner Hughington Williams gave no additional details and would not even refer to the detainees by name, saying only that all or some would be charged later today. Police displayed a sample of the haul, which is being held at the Racoon Street station under a heavy show of security. While police would not elaborate, it is assumed that the cocaine was being held in Belize for transhipment to the United States. Street value of the haul has been put at thirty-five million Belize dollars.