Espat: gun theft investigations nearly complete
In crime news, Minister of National Security Jorge Espat has told News 5 that investigations into the theft of high powered weapons from the BDF and police are close to completion and the case files have been delivered to the Director for Public Prosecutions. On January twenty-ninth, a pair of tech nine machine pistols, four sterling submachine guns, and four M-16 rifles were discovered missing from the Police Training School in Belmopan. One week later, the Belize Defence Force reported that three M-16 rifles were also stolen from what should have been a secure ammunition compound at Price Barracks in Ladyville. Espat told News 5 that new measures will be put in place to prevent any more weapons from reaching the streets.
Jorge Espat, Minister of National Security
“It is disappointing to all of us, to me certainly, to the ministry, and I know for a fact the Belize Police Force is embarrassed by the recent break-in of the armoury in Belmopan as well as the exhibit room in the Belmopan station. I am told by the commissioner that about eight of the firearms have been recovered. The investigation is almost concluded. The file is before the D.P.P. and we’re waiting for his advice on the investigation. The ministry has directed the commissioner to launch a nationwide investigation and assessment of all the security facilities and we have pledged commitment from the ministry to allocate the resources to beef up those facilities to ensure that a repeat does not happen. It is an embarrassment.”
Jose Sanchez
“What about personnel? It is possible that BDF and police personnel were involved. What kind of checks and balances will be in place to ensure you have the right man doing the job?”
Jorge Espat
“Again the commissioner and the commandant have launched full investigations to review the capability of the individuals who have been assigned to those duties, background checks, proper training. In fact I think we’ve started late last year to have the BDF come in to assess the security and readiness of these facilities. It’s an ongoing process and I have directed the Commissioner of Police to spare no effort to apprehend those involved, whether they are police officers, soldiers, and whether they are criminals.”
No arrests have yet been made in any of the three weapons thefts.
