Government Tightens Border Security Amid Cartel Threats  

Security concerns are mounting in the Corozal Free Zone, where authorities are working to prevent cartel infiltration and organized crime. Prime Minister Briceño says the government is tightening controls and collaborating with Mexico to address the threat. Eight million dollars is being invested to increase security personnel and resources along the northern border, in a strategic move being dubbed “Operation Northern Fortress”. But can it make a dent in illegal movement of goods, particularly cigarettes, across the border.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I always remember in December of 2020 when I had my first official meetings with the officials at the U.S. Embassy. We had a Charge’. Towards the end of the meeting she said, so PM what keeps you awake at night. I said, the drug cartels wanting to infiltrate Belize and we have to do everything possible to keep them out. I just wrote a letter to president Sheinbaum saying listen you need to bring more forces at the border to get these people off the border and off the streets. We decided to move enterprise with the police so that they can have a better overlook of what is going on at the Freezone. Yes we have to tighten the controls of people going in and out of the Freezone so that we can give the safety of Belizeans trying to keep these people out of the country.”

 

Isani Cayetano

“My understanding is that cigarettes are king in the Freezone and that is the cause of cartel wars and issues taking place there. What about regulating that speaks to the importation and distribution of cigarettes out of the Freezone?

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I don’t think you are correct, that cigarettes is just one item.”

 

Isani Cayetano

“The primary, king.”

Prime Minister John Briceño

I would not say king, but there are a lot of good that go into the Freezone that go into the other side, into Mexico. We checked with the Ministry of Foreign Trade about trying to limit the cigarettes, what they are told is that under the WTO regulations we cant really stop it.”