Police operation targets guns, drugs
A countrywide police anti-crime operation ended on Saturday after 12 days of surprise raids, body searches, and street corner security checks. Today, police officers from the Eastern Division proudly displayed a portion of their catch for the press. The Belize City raid netted over 4 pounds of weed and 23 crack pipes and led to the arrest of 50 people. Officers also found 18 firearms and close to 300 rounds of ammunition. 34 persons have been arrested for those charges. Also presented today were a few of the 520 Mayan artifacts discovered in San Pedro early last week. Senior Superintendent of Police Crispin Jeffries tells News Five that overall, operation Cancer was prompted by an alarming rise in gun related crimes.
Crispin Jeffries, Sr. Superintendent, OC Eastern Division
“Operation Cancer was launched as a result of the increase in street crimes in Belize City, robberies with the use of firearms and other types of robberies, guns in the streets, gang related incidents. It basically ran for a week and 5 days. The operation was an ongoing operation comprising of some 60 officers.”
Janelle Chanona
“Are you calling the operation successful?”
Crispin Jeffries
“Very successful.”
Janelle Chanona
“How so?”
Crispin Jeffries
“With the number of firearms confiscated, the arrests and the limited amount of incidents affecting the law abiding citizens. There were a few complaints but all complaints have been heard and the complaints heard have been either addressed or those feeling that they were offended were in fact proven to be offenders.”
Simultaneously, the other police district branches conducted a similar campaign. During Operation Cancer approximately 134 people were arrested on drug and gun related charges. Police say during their search they also found large amounts of cash in both U.S. and Belizean currency. Some of the money was confiscated and the Income Tax Department called in to investigate.
