64 Pounds of Cocaine Found Off Caye Caulker

On Thursday, we reported on a major cocaine bust along Belize’s coast. As we reported, authorities discovered a large plastic bag on the seabed in Caye Caulker with sixty-four pounds of Cocaine. Today, we spoke with Acting Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, Captain Gregory Soberanis about the discovery and the subsequent investigation. Here is what he told us.

 

Captain Gregory Soberanis, Acting Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“We did receive information from police that suspected cocaine was found yesterday in the vicinity of Caye Caulker/ Caye Chapel. We responded with a coordinated operation along with our police counterpart to that area. That investigation is currently ongoing.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Is this the largest bust this year off the coast?”

 

Captain Gregory Soberanis

“It is a significant bust and it is one we need to look at very carefully, do some analysis and thereafter look at subsequent operation that is required as we have the mandate for maritime security for the nation of Belize.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Is that an area of concern?”

 

Captain Gregory Soberanis

“It is and we have certain areas we focus on and continue to focus on throughout our maritime space, so this is the time of the year where that is expected and anticipated because it is during these times we see movement of narcotics in our sea space.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Could it be that this came from a water vessel?”

 

Captain Gregory Soberanis

“It could be, there are many ways which the criminal elements operate. Their MO shifts based on what is convenient, whether it be weather conditions, or where we are currently dispositioned. But we do believe it came from the maritime domain.”

 

Paul Lopez

“And dumped there for what purpose?”

 

Captain Gregory Soberanis

“Usually what happened is that it will be dumped and picked up by the local criminal elements who support these kinds of activities.”