Government Commends the Actions of FCD in Arresting Guatemalan Poachers

As you heard, manning the Chiquibul National Park poses a huge challenge to the relevant agencies, including Friends for Conservation and Development.  FCD rangers on June sixth spotted a group of five illegal farmers and were able to apprehend two: Guatemalan national Edras Garcia and Honduran national Elder Diaz four kilometres within Belizean territory.  Following an investigation, a government high level committee has ascertained that one of the escapees aimed a rifle at the Chief Ranger, a trained special constable, who in self defense fired a warning shot before the escapee fled into the jungle, leaving his firearm behind. The detained poachers were found with endangered game birds.  Both men were handed over to the San Ignacio police for illegal entry while the Forest Department has placed charges of poaching for wildlife. A release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued today says that FCD acted well within the rules of engagement.