Mexico & Belize Officials Meet to Discuss Cartels, Drug Trafficking

Kareem Musa

Despite the so-called Sicario Seven going free, cartel infiltration in the north remains a serious concern for local law enforcement and national security.  A high level meeting was held several weeks ago in Mexico City between government officials from Belize and Mexico to address the issues of drug trafficking and the presence of the Sinaloa cartels in southern Mexico, along the border with Belize. It is a major issue for local authorities as there have been reports of these criminal organizations making demands of persons travelling across the border. Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa says that while he cannot share the details of the meeting, all efforts will be explored to prevent the cartels from entering into Belize.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“It’s a very high level confidential meeting and so we are not at liberty to discuss the details of what was arrived at.  In terms of our discussion, it was very fruitful and very productive and certainly there will be greater cooperation between our two governments on both sides of the border and so, that is as far as I can say in terms of that meeting.”

Reporter

“Do you, like the commissioner, hold the view though that we will never be able to get that situation with cartels wanting to come across and possibly trying to control things on the Belize side in terms of drugs transhipment ever under control?”

Kareem Musa

“When you look at the entire region, and you’re talking Ecuador, you are talking Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and to some extent Belize, I think we have been somewhat immune from it. Yes there are illicit landings every now and then in Belize, but it happens a lot in Honduras and Guatemala – these illicit plane landings. And so, that kind of activity has been prevailing in our region. We have done an excellent job when compared to the other countries in our region of keeping it out. And that is why the government over two months ago said that this is something we have to invest in in terms of securing our borders, protecting our citizens, particularly in Corozal. And so, I would not say it is something we can never get rid of, but certainly we are putting every single attention that we possibly can to this issue.”