BDF Safely Destroys 20.6 Metric Tons of Aging Ammunition

Belize has successfully disposed of 20.6 metric tons of obsolete ammunition that authorities said posed a potential safety risk due to age, corrosion, water damage, and deteriorating storage conditions.

The operation, carried out between April 13 and May 22, was led by the Belize Defence Force (BDF) with the participation of personnel from the Belize Police Department and the Belize Coast Guard. The initiative focused on the safe destruction of aging munitions that had become hazardous after years in storage.

During the operation, a total of 2,088 munitions were safely destroyed. Sixteen officers also received specialized training in the identification, handling, and disposal of obsolete ammunition, strengthening Belize’s capacity to manage similar operations in the future.

As part of the project, structural improvements were made to the BDF’s Logistic Support Brigade ammunition depot in Ladyville to enhance the safe storage and management of military stockpiles.

The operation was supported by the Program for Assistance in Conventional Weapons Destruction (PACAM), which provided technical expertise, material assistance, and procedural certification based on international standards throughout the process.