B.D.F. Commander Distressed Over Soldier’s Arrest in Drug Plane Investigation

Steven Ortega

B.D.F. Commander Brigadier General Steven Ortega says the news of one of his very own soldiers detained following the drug plane interception is very distressing.  This morning, Ortega confirmed that police arrested his driver in connection with the drug plane landing.  As for the total prevention of drug plane landing, that might be impossible for the country’s law enforcement because as Ortega told the media today if there is a need, somebody will provide it. 

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega, Commander, B.D.F.

“It is very distressing. I mean it is not only distressing for me but for the entire force because we are a professional organization and we don’t expect, our troops aren’t train to be on the other side of the law. We are trained to upload the law. It is a very, very distressing time.”

Hipolito Novelo

“Are you able to confirm whether or not your driver was detained as part of that operation?”

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega

“Yes he was.”

Hipolito Novelo

“He still works for you?”

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega

“Well, he was my driver. Was because I can’t have a driver being detained by the police for such actions. Normally the police would be the one who follow it up because they are the ones who track it throughout but through our joint intelligence center are the ones who continuously track these aircrafts coming in and then we deploy deterrent patrol and should it make a landing like this one this early this morning we try our best to intercept and we intercepted this one with some personnel. It was a very successful day for us as well in that aspect.”

Hipolito Novelo

“In your professional opinion is it that these drug planes will never stop landing in Belize, in these areas?”

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega

“If there is a need, somebody will provide it.”