Police raids put pressure on crime
The request from police press officer G. Michael Reid came in mid-morning: have a cameraman ready, he said, if you want to join us on a raid. And when the call came this afternoon, we were only too happy to tag along. While the mobile dragnet did not net one of Belize’s most wanted, this type of operation may keep potential wrongdoers off balance.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
The team, consisting of members of the police Central Intelligence Unit and the Anti-Drug Unit, were looking for drugs, weapons and ammunition that they believe are being used in criminal activities especially during this time of the year.
A.S.P. Gerald Westby, Head of Operations
“We are not targeting the law abiding citizens, we are targeting people specifically involved in suspected criminal activity, drug distribution and firearms.”
Following the search at the corner of Ebony and Mahogany streets, the police quickly handcuffed twenty-three year old Mark Price after authorities found on his premises seventy-nine small parcels or a little over an ounce of marijuana…plus a couple of bullets for a 22 and 38 handgun.
Sgt. Chester Williams, Commander, Crime Investigation Unit
“The police duty is a very dangerous job at any time and we have sworn to uphold the law, to serve and to protect the people of Belize and we’ll do so by whatever means necessary, even putting our lines on the line for the citizens of this country.”
The operation is just one of the activities the police will be holding during the run up to Christmas.
Sgt. Chester Williams
“During this season is the time when crimes, particularly crimes such as robberies, burglaries and other crimes that involve the use of firearms in order to gain something, had always been known to go on the increase. So in an effort to keep the situation at a minimal level during the Christmas season, the police are presently conducting an exercise.”
At another house in the neighbourhood, police also took into custody twenty year old Kenroy Jones after authorities found two more rounds of ammunition. He and Price were charged for the unlicensed ammo, while Price was also hit with a drug trafficking charge.
A.S.P. Gerald Westby
“What we would like to do is to appeal to the public during Christmas to assist us, because the police cannot be everywhere and everyplace at the same time. But we will do our best to make sure that the Christmas is as crime free and safe as possible.”
Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
In related news, today the police launched their seasonal anti-crime campaign which means you should see an increase in police presence throughout the city. Additionally, the cops, along with B.D.F. and customs, will establish a larger number of check points on the nation’s highways.
