Birthday Trip Goes Awry: Tourist Charged with Cannabis Possession in Belize

A tourist who came to Belize to celebrate her birthday ended up being charged for cannabis found in her luggage. 21-year-old Yannick Nicole Buie appeared in Belize City Magistrate’s Court today, facing a charge of importing cannabis. Buie, who arrived at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) yesterday on a flight from Miami, was found to be carrying 30.51 grams of cannabis in her luggage. Authorities at the PGIA arrival area detected a strong smell of cannabis on a passenger, leading to a search of Buie’s luggage, where four small, multicolored packages of marijuana were discovered. She was then detained and handed over to the Ladyville Police Station. In court, she pleaded guilty to the single charge of importation of a controlled drug. The magistrate fined her $800, plus a $5 cost of court. Buie was ordered to pay the fine immediately or face six months’ imprisonment.