Exclusive: Large Quantity of Contraband Seized Near Corozal Free Zone

News Five spoke exclusively with Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, about recent operations along Belize’s northern border.

Bennett said, “The northern area of operation has been continuously becoming an issue for us. We have over the past recent months increased our operation in that area, and I’m referring to the entire northern border region as it relates to the boundary in the Rio Hondo River and its approaches in between Belize and Mexico. So we’ve been very active in that area.”

He confirmed a major seizure that occurred on October 12. “The Coast Guard patrol in that area had seized a large quantity of what we determined to be contraband goods on the riverbank on the Belizean side that we believe was being prepared to be shipped over into Mexico.”

Bennett said, “Unfortunately, we were not able to detain any individuals, and they all fled as we approached the area.” The items were handed over to the Police Department and the Customs Department in the presence of a Justice of the Peace immediately after that seizure.

Bennett suspects the items originated from the Corozal Free Zone.

On security concerns, Bennett added, “There are concerns about the movement of goods in and out of the Free Zone. As I’ve mentioned before, the Coast Guard does not operate inside the Free Zone, so we don’t know the dynamics of how all cargo is stored, transported and shipped out of Belize.”

“What drew our attention was the fact that this cargo was outside of the Free Zone perimeter, and they were on the riverside, and we assumed that it was being prepared to move over into Mexico; hence, the reason the patrol went in and seized that cargo.”

Earlier today, Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton called for urgent action over what she described as growing corruption, criminal influence, and fear in the Corozal Free Zone. She warned that Mexican “criminal” elements, protected by “a handful of well connected political cronies,” had reportedly controlled operations, deciding “what goods receive clearance, when they receive clearance, and what ‘special fees’ are demanded.” Panton said a “culture of fear prevailed,” with business owners and employees staying silent, and warned that illegal activity, including drugs and counterfeit cigarettes, posed a “direct and immediate threat” to national security and Belize’s reputation.