Belize Hosts UN-Led Firearms Training to Tackle Gun Smuggling

Belize hosted a workshop this week focused on combating illegal firearms trafficking and improving coordination among Caribbean law enforcement agencies.

The 3-day event brought together the Belize Defence Force, Customs, Police, and the National Forensic and Science Service. The training included firearms tracing, identification, and marking.

Sharole Carr, CEO in the Ministry of Home Affairs, said the workshop strengthened coordination across agencies. “The results included a practical understanding of the complete tracking cycle, familiarisation with real forms and platforms, and improved coordination between police, prosecutors, and international actors.”

UNODC also donated drones to Belize for firearm detection and investigation. Roberto Rodríguez Codesal of UNODC said, “We understand the difficulties of conducting certain surveillance and investigations, and we believe that these drones can certainly help Belize.”

Rodríguez Codesal said integrated firearms centres are being promoted regionally to improve cooperation. “Firearms are a global crime, and it needs a united response, a global response… We think if all the regions have similar procedures, it will be easier for everyone to achieve the goals of these integrated firearms centres.”

This training was led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with support from CARICOM IMPACS and the Government of Belize.