Belize and Mexico Collaborate to Combat Rising Crime and Drug Trade

Missing rifle; suspected cartel hires, and a cocaine lab – with the level of crime evolving each day, it is the hope of Belizean authorities that collaborations in the region will assist in curbing these illegalities.  A high level meeting, in this vain, was held with Mexico and Belize’s national security officers earlier this month.  The discussion surrounded the fight against drugs and crime, and how the two neighboring country can collaborate in combatting these issues.  Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa, told the media that while he cannot divulge the details on the discussions, he can report that it was a productive session that will see further collaboration with the Mexican counterparts.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs: “We had a meeting in Mexico City about two weeks ago Commissioner Williams was there as well and as he has indicated to the media already, it’s a very high-level confidential meeting. And so we are not at liberty to discuss the details of what was arrived at. In terms of our discussions it was very fruitful and very productive, and certainly there will be greater cooperation between our two governments on both sides of the border. And so that is as far as I can see in terms of that meeting. When you look at the entire region, Marisol, and you’re talking Ecuador, you’re talking Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and to some extent, Belize, I think we have been somewhat immune from it. Yes, there are illicit landings every now and then in Belize, but it happens a lot in Honduras and in Guatemala these illicit plane landings. And so that kind of activity has been prevailing in our region. We have done an excellent job when compared to the other countries in our region of keeping it out and that is why the government over two months ago said that this is something we have to invest in terms of securing our borders, protecting our citizens, particularly in Corozal and so I would not say it’s something that we can never get rid of but certainly we are putting every single attention that we possibly can to this issue.”

The meeting was held in the first week of August in Mexico City with the country’s Security Cabinet.