Belizean Businessman Busted in Melchor Pulls Out His Guatemalan Documents During Court Appearance

Francisco Javier de la Ho Duarte

A Belizean businessman who also holds Guatemalan citizenship is being held in Guatemala following an overnight raid in Melchor de Mencos on Tuesday. On Wednesday, we reported that thirty-three-year-old Francisco Javier de la Ho Duarte had been caught with two AK-47 rifles, seventy-five rounds of ammunition and cash in an assortment of currencies from U.S. dollars, to Peruvian Soles, Mexican pesos and Belize dollars. A small amount of weed was also found during the raid which also involved a woman identified as forty-three-year-old Aolibama Mengibar. News Five has received reports from persons in the know that Duarte was born, raised and married in Benque Viejo where he operates. But when he was charged today across the border, he presented his Guatemalan documents during his court appearance. But was his Benque Viejo house also raided? The police say they are working with the Guatemalan authorities on the investigation.

Joseph Myvett

ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch

“A home belonging to him was raided in Melchor the previous day, so we are aware of that.”

Reporter

“Are you looking for any connections to him in Belize on the Belize side of the border since he was found with weapons and ammunition and cash?”

ACP Joseph Myvett

“We know that he is in possession of a licensed firearm on this side of the border.”

Reporter

“Are there any plans to perhaps visit his home in Belize, on the Belize side of the border?”

ACP Joseph Myvett

“Yes, this is an ongoing investigation and there is definitely joint cooperation between the Guatemalan law enforcement authorities and ourselves.”