Police Commissioner: The Shooting Near the Pueblo Viejo Ferry Was Drug- related

This evening Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams gave the media the information that the police have thus far on the incident. While he said the police are still trying to tie together some pieces, what they high suspect at this time is that the incident was drug-related because of the main player involved, Benigno Larios. Williams also said they recovered a number of weapons, and rounds of ammunition from the scene.

Chester Williams

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Police were notified of a shooting incident near the Copperbank Ferry in Corozal Town. Based on that information received, the police responded to the area where certain information was obtained. A search of the area police discovered a number of 223 expended shells and 9mm, likewise, 9mm expended shells. A further search of the area and  just upon entering Progresso Village, the police came across a vehicle that overturned on the left hand side of the highway, when traveling towards Orange Walk. Near that vehicle, police found two individuals who were suffering from varying degrees of injuries from the traffic accident. A search of the area and police found one high-powered rifle and one pellet gun. The rifle and the individuals were taken into custody. And the individuals were taken to the Corozal Polyclinic and later to Orange Walk or the Northern Regional Hospital, and later on one was transferred to KHMH. Moments later, police also obtained information that two persons arrived at the Northern Medical Plaza with what appeared to be gunshot injuries. Those persons are one “Mouse”, whose name is Benigno Loria, and the other one is another person, I think, Sergio Hall, I think that’s the name of the other person. Those persons drove themselves to the hospital and were admitted. They’re still admitted at this time. At this time, police are still trying to ascertain, basically, what transpired. But we do believe that the ones who were in the vehicle that overturned were the ones who were involved in the shooting with those who arrived at Northern Medical Plaza with the gunshot injuries. There are a number of things that we are doing to put the pieces together, and hopefully, whenever these persons are in a position to speak to the police, we will be given more details and should be able to know how to proceed.”

Reporter

“Sir, Mr Loria has been targeted before. Is this incident believed to be drug related?”

Chester Williams

“Certainly, yes, we believe it’s drug related.”

Duane Moody

“They are no strangers to the police. I think some years back they were involved in an attempted murder up north at the border crossing with Peseros and all of that, so, we’re looking at whether that is maybe tied to this whole thing?”

Chester Williams

“No, we don’t think so. You would know that a couple months ago, Loria was targeted on Chetumal Boulevard here in Belize City, where he was shot multiple times, and just like he did yesterday, he drove himself to the hospital here in Belize City.”