Police department’s additional stop and search; more areas are crime ridden

There are five zones to be designated as Crime Ridden Areas.  Initially the zones would all fall inside the Lake Independence constituency in Belize City. However, News Five understands that it will include other areas and it will possibly include Queen Square going down to the Swing Bridge Area and coming back around the Vernon Street Area and include all the St. Martin de Porres Area.  While the city awaits the notification to be gazetted and implemented on Friday, the police department has increased its stop and search functions in other neighborhoods. This afternoon, the area next to the Mexican Institute was patrolled by police and B.D.F. While other officers attended to foot and bicyclists that enter Kelly Street from all other veins, including Freetown Road. Several passersby were searched, and while our News Five crew was there it appeared that some marijuana was found on one individual.  The stop and search was conducted in a professional manner and no one complained about the obstacle. News Five has learnt that some additions were made to the government gazette that would officially declare the Crime Ridden Areas. The gazette will not be available until Friday.