Wahn Notha Drug Plane Land Da Belize
The airspaces above parts of southern Belize, Guatemala and Mexico were busy with illegal flight activity over the weekend where suspected drug planes are said to have landed. In the area of Payne’s Creek, a remote location in the Toledo District, the burnt vestiges of a twin-engine aircraft were discovered near a crude runway that appears to have been recently created. There was no cargo, nor was there any sign that the plane had been refueled. It is believed, however, that the contents of the aircraft may have been transported by sea to its onward destination since the area is only accessible by sea. It is the second landing of a drug plane in Belize in less than a week and authorities were not able to intercept or seize its payload. Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett explains what officers found on site.
Joseph Myvett
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
“On Saturday, police were called to the Payne’s Creek area in the Toledo District whereupon arrival they observed a twin engine aircraft almost completely burned in an area where apparently a makeshift airstrip was recently constructed. So far no one has been detained and no other items have been found in that area. It is a very remote area that this aircraft discovery was found in.”
Reporter
“Sir, now we know that there was presumably a sea component because we are told the area is so remote it can only be accessed by sea.”
ACP Joseph Myvett
“Yes, that is correct.”
Reporter
“Was there any interface with the coastguard to try and apprehend these persons?”
ACP Joseph Myvett
“Yes, there was a coast guard patrol that was deployed to the area. I believe at the same time the police were on land making their way to the area along with the B.D.F., but so far no other item was found in that area.”
Reporter
“The commissioner said last time that he wished to destroy that airstrip in Crooked Tree which you all hadn’t known about. You say this was a newly set out airstrip. Will you all be doing anything?”
ACP Joseph Myvett
“Yes, we will. Yes, it will be destroyed.”
Reporter
“Okay, I know many times at these scenes, lights are found or some buckets made by Mennonites, the type made by Mennonites. Was there anything found at this scene at all?”
ACP Joseph Myvett
“No, none was found this time.”
Reporter
“We know that plane mi di drop dis weekend…”
ACP Joseph Myvett
“Yeah, we can say that, I do not have the facts at this time but I know that there was a seizure in Guatemala and one in Mexico in relation to aircrafts over the weekend.”
