Coast Guard Plays Integral Role in Deterring Drug Planes

Elton Bennett

While with the Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, we asked about enforcement at sea in terms of our maritime laws and the illicit activities therein. Commandant Elton Bennett spoke to the media about their integral role in not only intercepting, but also a preventative strategy for drug planes.

Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“I think the impact that we’ve had on drug trafficking in Belize has certainly degrees. When you look at plane landings in Belize, certainly decreased and that’s credited to our officer that is posted at the Joint Intelligence Operating Center; currently the coast guard is the director of the JIOC and they have been doing an exceptional job in terms of reducing air traffic. If you notice, the last aircraft that landing in Belize would have been sometime around July. So that’s exceptional work from the coast guard not only as its traditional role as a maritime force, but as a broader national security organization. So we have been doing exceptional this year.”