Espat outlines plans for fighting crime
During the press conference this afternoon Minister of National Security Jorge Espat announced ongoing efforts to prevent and stop widespread crime and violence. Espat spoke about the successes of two recently launched operations: Brimstone Three and Ides Of March.
Jorge Espat, Minister of National Security
“Drugs: 78 persons arrested, 76,724 marijuana plants destroyed, 134,205.3 grams of processed marijuana, 101.2 grams of seeds and 4.8 grams of crack cocaine were seized. Illegal entry: 82 persons were detained for illegal entry into Belize. Traffic Violations: 166 persons were issued with traffic tickets for traffic violations. Firearms: 27 persons arrested for illegal firearms and ammunition offenses, 5 firearms and 213 unlicensed ammunition were confiscated. Currency: 2 persons arrested and $6,000 confiscated. Uncustomed goods and illegal logging: 11 persons arrested for uncustomed goods, 4 for gambling and 53 logs were discovered.”
According to Minister Espat, the recently proposed budget for year ’99 and two thousand is a further indication of his government’s commitment to increasing the size and capability of the Belize police Force.
Jorge Espat
“The Ministry of National Security and Immigration is being allocated 11.18 percent of the total recurrent budget or $35,166,325 – the third largest allocation in the 1999/2000 budget. The recurrent budget has been increased by $1,124,952. Capital II has been increased by $946,546 and Capital III has been increased by $1,348,346.”
Espat said the budget allows for the largest intake of recruits in the history of the police force. In two weeks the police training school will take on a group of recruits that represents eleven percent of the current police establishment.
Jorge Espat
“What is also significant is that provisions has been made for an increase in the size of the Belize Police Special Branch by 18 percent, an increase in the size of the Dragon Unit by 21 percent, an increase in the size of the Prosecution Branch by 6 percent, an increase Joint Intelligent Coordinating Center by 3 percent, and an increase in the size of the Criminal Investigations Branch by 11 percent.”
The budget also has an additional eight hundred thousand dollars allocated for renovations and the construction of police stations, uniforms, the computerization of the department and the acquisition of police equipment and vehicles. Minister Espat thanked Belizeans across the country who have assisted the police restore confidence and reduce the incidents of crime and violence. Espat also thanked those regional and international partners in the common campaign to end violence.
