A Boston Whaler is also Intercepted in Anti-Drug Operation

The entire operation, a joint effort between police, B.D.F. and coast guard elements, consisted of maritime, terrestrial and aerial surveillance.  Shortly after the arrests and seizure, they then observed a vessel leaving harbour in Belize City.  The Boston Whaler was the same boat moored at the Princess Marina.  The vessel was intercepted by coast guard and its occupants were also detained.

Allen Whylie

Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police

“On yesterday’s date also, the surveillance team observed the Boston Whaler which was moored at the Princess Marina departing.  As a result, the Belize Coast Guard which was a part of the operation intercepted that vessel near the vicinity of the deep water port.  At the time, the vessel was headed in a southerly direction.  That vessel was escorted back and is presently moored at the Radisson Fort George pier under guard.  Ten occupants of that vessel were detained, five adult males, two adult females and three minors.  The two adult females, as well as the three minors were released from custody sometime last night.  This vessel was searched and nothing illegal was found to date, however, we do intend to conduct further searches utilizing today utilizing the department’s K9.  Investigation is ongoing in terms of the discovery of these drugs.  Several searches have been conducted within Belize City which have resulted in the detention of two additional Guatemalan males.  Also discovered as a result of one of those searches were two, nine millimeter pistols, along with a forty caliber pistol which we know in Belize is a prohibited firearm.  To date, we have a total of twelve Guatemalans and one Belizean in custody pending investigations.  We also have a total of five pistols that have been discovered.  As I’ve indicated, two were found in the pan of the vehicle and the other three that were found as a result of a search of a hotel.”