Cartel Influence at Belize’s Northern Border?

Concerns are growing tonight over reports that cartel activity may be inching closer to Belize’s northern border. Allegations of influence in the Corozal Free Zone have been making headlines for weeks, and now, Prime Minister John Briceño is weighing in. He admits the threat is real and says his government is working hard to keep criminal networks out. But the big question remains, just how close have these cartels come, and can the Briceño administration truly keep their influence at bay?

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Well it raises great concern. I don’t know about a war brewing. There is no such thing as an illegal tobacco war. But yes there is that concern. I remember from the time I was elected in government in 2020, one of my greatest concern I expressed, especially to the Charge d’Affaires and former ambassadors was my concern about the cartels getting closer and closer to the our border and we need to do everything possible to keep them out of the country. Just a few months ago, a meeting with both ministers of defense and home affairs, and the national security council, we had  a discussion on how we can strengthen the patrols with the police, the BDF, the Coast Guard in that area and we had to approve another eight million to get them more equipment and vehicles and pay them the overtime because they work some long hours to ensure we can keep these people out of Belize and that continues to be our battle and we will not give up, because the security of our people come first and foremost.”