Coast Guard Ramps Up Security Amid Corozal Free Zone Threats

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett is telling it straight; he says the security concerns in and around the Corozal Free Zone are very real. While the Coast Guard couldn’t confirm if cartel operatives were behind the recently seized cargo, Bennett makes it clear, those involved are knee-deep in illicit trade. And in response, the Coast Guard has stepped up its game, ramping up patrols along the river to keep criminal networks in check.

 

On the Phone: Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“Indeed there are concerns about the movement of goods in and out of the freezone. Like I mentioned the coast guard does not operate inside the freezone. So we don’t know the dynamics of how cargo is stored and shipped out of Belize. What drew our attention is that these cargo was outside of the Freezone permit, on the riverside and we assumed they were being prepared to be taken over into Mexico. Hence the reason our patrol went in an seized those cargo.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Did your operation determine whether this cargo was being moved by cartel elements?”

 

On the Phone: Rear Admiral Elton Bennett

“We do not know at this stage. We were not able to detain anyone. But obviously those who were involved would be involved in the illicit trade of some sort. But, we were not able to determine which group or who was responsible for it.”