Drug Plane Goes Down in Western Orange Walk
A suspected drug plane was discovered partially burnt this morning in an area between Indian Church and Hill Bank villages in Orange Walk District. Police say they were tipped by someone in the area that a plane had landed and it is believed that the aircraft was set on fire to dispose of any evidence that would disclose its cargo. Now this area is notorious for these types of illicit activities, involving the landing of planes in fields and on clandestine airstrips. This is the third suspected drug plane that has been found in nine months in that area, which would suggest that the drug trade is very real and thriving in the north. The most recent landing was three months ago in November of 2017, where burnt scraps of the aircraft were discovered in a remote cornfield near Hill Bank, Orange Walk. This morning, the Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett told the media that a team was on its way to the scene and provided only brief details.
Joseph Myvett
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
“Just in that sometime this morning, an aircraft was discovered partially burnt somewhere between Indian Church and Hill Bank villages in the Orange Walk District. Police are now on the scene investigating that matter.”
Duane Moody
“What is it that police suspect? Was it used for illicit activity, carrying drugs? Were any persons in the area? Did any person in the area heard an aircraft flying in that area?”
ACP Joseph Myvett
“At this point, the investigation is in its very early stages. The police was acting on an information from someone and the police may just be on the ground at this point in time to commence their investigation.”
Reporter
“Sir, you mentioned that the plane was partially burnt. Do you know whether or not the investigators on the scene have found any illegal items in the area?”
ACP Joseph Myvett
“No, not that I know about at this time.”
Reporter
“Sir is it believed that this aircraft was intentionally burnt or was destroyed while trying to make that illicit landing?”
ACP Joseph Myvett
“No, I am not sure at this point in time as the officers, as I’ve mentioned before, may just be on the ground to commence their investigation.”
