Fishermen Combing Beaches in Search of Illicit Drugs

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett reported a rise in suspicious activities in the Turneffe area, prompting the Belize Coast Guard to stay on high alert. But where did the discovered kilo of cocaine come from? Was it a wet drop or part of a capsized drug boat’s cargo? We asked Bennett about rumors that fishermen are increasingly combing these beaches for illicit drugs.

 

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“Indeed, we have received those reports. We have been activity engaging these individuals. Last week we detained one individual who was aggressive towards another party in the activities of beach combing. So we are aware of that and are doing our best to keep an eye on these individuals and engage them as often as possible.”

 

Benita Keme-Palacio

“Would you say this has been increasingly normal and hard to combat and control?”

 

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett

“We have seen an increase in activity in the Turneffe area, both legitimate fishing and otherwise. So it is our operational duty to ensure we board and search and interview where necessary all those individuals we would come across. The fact that we found this kilo of cocaine in that area indicates that yes these reports are true and we continue to concentrate in that area.”