B.D.F. and police arrest 14 during Belize City searches

This morning, if you passed by the Belchina Bridge, you could not help but notice several B.D.F. soldiers armed and decked out in their camouflaged uniforms. No, the men were not out looking for escaped prisoners but rather conducting a joint operation with police to try and curb crime and drug related activities in the city. According to Jose Zetina, Assistant Commissioner of Police and the officer in charge of the operation, the exercise which started around five this morning, got underway a bit earlier this year, so Belizeans may have an enjoyable Christmas. The exercise not only included vehicle searches, but anyone deemed suspicious whether on foot or riding bicycles was also stopped and rubbed down. While the operation may have caused some inconveniences, Zetina says there was some success. A total of fourteen people were arrested after police and B.D.F. discovered small quantities of drugs in vehicles as well as on individuals. The operation, which was conducted at hot spots and other specific locations throughout the city and the districts, is expected to continue throughout the season and early in the New Year.