American Businessman Allowed to Leave Belize After Firearm Found at Airport

Police have confirmed that an American businessman who entered Belize with a firearm was allowed to leave the country without facing criminal charges, a decision that has since raised questions among observers.  According to police, the individual is a 49-year-old oil executive from Texas who arrived in Belize on a private jet on January 15, saying he was in the country for business meetings. The issue only surfaced when the man attempted to depart Belize on Saturday, after airport security discovered a firearm and ammunition in his belongings during routine screening.  He was immediately taken aside and handed over to police officers stationed at the airport. Police say the matter was escalated to senior ranks for review.  ASP Stacy Smith explained how the situation unfolded once the firearm was detected.  Smith said that after consultations at the senior level, a decision was taken on how the matter would be handled, and the individual was subsequently allowed to depart the country.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “As it relates to the inquiry, I can confirm that indeed an American national was discovered with a firearm on Saturday at the airport. What I have been advised is that the American national, a businessman, when he had surrendered himself up to the scanning that occurs at the airport, the officers there discovered the firearm. He was placed in detention and he immediately stated that he was not aware that the firearm was there. It was an oversight on his part. Thorough check was done in relation to the background of this individual via INTEPOL. Communications were made with the U.S. Embassy where it was learned that he was not a person of interest in any situation. A decision was made to release him and confiscate the firearm by way an exercise of a discretion. Now, given that by all indications, I don’t believe someone would present themselves to a scanning knowing that they have with them a firearm. The story that he provided was one that was feasible. He was cautioned and reprimanded, and he was allowed to leave. What I will also say is that this individual came into the country on a private flight, some, I think, a day before, just a day before.” 

The incident has drawn public attention because entering Belize with an unlicensed firearm is typically treated as a serious criminal offense. In most cases, such breaches result in arrest, formal charges, and either remand or heavy fines under Belizean law.