PM Briceño Writes to Mexico’s Sheinbaum: “Bring More Forces to the Border”

The northern border of Belize is sitting at the centre of rising tensions linked to cartel influence and cross-border criminal networks. This morning, Prime Minister John Briceño said the threat is not new, but his government is tightening control inside the Freezone to “keep these people out of the country.”

The concern escalated after the recent attempt on the life of Corozal Freezone businessman Nitin Buxani. The attack reignited long-standing fears about cartel infiltration and corruption within the zone.

Briceño said cartel activity has troubled his administration from the start. He recalled a meeting with United States officials in 2020 when he warned that drug organisations were seeking to enter Belize. “I’ve been constantly reminding them, we need help,” he said. He added that when drug planes land in remote areas, Belize lacks the tools to respond quickly. “You accuse us, but we don’t have all the necessary equipment to be able to move.”

The Prime Minister addressed claims that cigarette smuggling is the main driver of cartel interest. “Cigarettes is just one item,” he said. “There are a lot of goods that come into the freezone that go into the other side, into Mexico.” He noted that World Trade Organization rules limit Belize’s ability to restrict imports. “All we can do is to control and to regulate it as best as we possibly can.”

Briceño pointed out the recent launch of Operation Northern Fortress. According to him, the initiative carries an eight-million-dollar budget for vehicles, radios, weapons, and surveillance tools.

He also said he has written to Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. “Listen, you need to bring more forces at the border to get these people off the border and off the streets,” he said.