Zabaneh: Customs knew vehicles were at his farm
Ten late model vehicles seized by police from a Stann Creek warehouse remain impounded in Belmopan, while authorities try to sort out whether or not they entered the country legally. Today, News 5 spoke to the vehicles’ owner, John Zabaneh, who told us that the whole case is a matter of miscommunication.
Janelle Chanona
“The police are claiming these vehicles are uncustomed, is that true?”
John Zabaneh
“That is not exactly…they are misrepresenting the whole thing. That is not exactly right. These vehicles were removed from the port because of the hurricane. They were removed because of the hurricane water and different damages that they received. The vehicles are proof of that, and most of them are still waiting for parts and stuff to get them back in condition. They were there in full knowledge of the customs. One of them that they took was already cleared from customs already weeks ago, but it still has damage. Sheet of roofing hit the back glass and broke it and it still there, the proof is there.”
Janelle Chanona
“So what’s your next move now?”
John Zabaneh
“It’s a total lack of communication between the ministries or departments. It will eventually be clear up I’m certain, but that was done strictly I’d say out of misconception or whatever.”
The vehicles, which arrived by barge from Puerto Barrios, are in the process if being examined by authorities both for customs purposes and to see of they were legally purchased in Guatemala.
