Gomez Granted Bail, But Detained Under State of Emergency  

Thirty-five-year-old Leon Alexander Gomez secured bail on a drug-trafficking charge this morning, but he never made it out of the Magistrates’ Court a free man. Before Gomez could post bail, police detained him under the State of Emergency and escorted him to the Queen Street Police Station for transfer to the Belize Central Prison. Gomez, a barber of Oleander Street in Belize City, appeared in Court Number Five after police reportedly found him with 4.57 grams of crack cocaine. Prosecutors charged him with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply. Gomez appeared without an attorney and pleaded not guilty. With no objection from the prosecution, the magistrate offered him bail of one thousand dollars and required one surety in the same amount, or two sureties of five hundred dollars each. But the bail decision did not lead to his release. Before Gomez could meet the conditions, officers from the Criminal Investigation Branch arrived at the courthouse on Coney Drive and took him to the Queen Street Police Station. Police detained him under the State of Emergency that took effect on Sunday, November first. Gomez is expected to be held at the Belize Central Prison under the emergency measures. His drug case was adjourned until December thirtieth, 2026.

 

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