Burnt SUV Probe Deepens as BDF Examines Seized Drug Plane

The burnt SUV has now triggered a parallel investigation, as authorities work to uncover the full scope of the network behind the shipment.  Meanwhile, Belize Defence Force Commander, Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, confirmed that a detailed technical assessment was carried out on the seized aircraft.  Velasquez indicated that the findings will be critical in linking the aircraft to regional trafficking routes and identifying the broader network involved.

Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, BDF Commander: “When we took custody of the aircraft, after a brief examination by our by Belize Defense Force Air Wing technicians, we have determined that the aircraft was rigged specifically for; one, transporting cargo and two, for for having extra fuel capacity. So it’s not, it wasn’t just like a standard Cessna aircraft. So it was rigged specifically for having extra fuel capacity and to answer the last part of your question, yes, there is still extra fuel within the aircraft as of the point where we examined it. So the aircraft still had enough fuel to probably fly somewhere else if it chose to when it landed, okay? It wasn’t a matter, it wasn’t a case where it had to, there was a forced emergency landing at all.”

The Belize Coast Guard also played a key supporting role in the operation, reinforcing coverage on the waters.  Coast Guard Commander Rear Admiral Greg Soberanis says his team worked in close coordination with partner agencies to ensure operational coverage and rapid response.

Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard: “As you’re aware this was a multi domain approach to this intercept both as it relates to land, air and sea. As the Coast Guard we provided the maritime component to this operation. As the Commissioner alluded to this is an area that is in close proximity to our coast line. It’s an area that we are familiar with and so we were able to respond quickly when called upon for support by the police department. So as the Coast Guard we provided that maritime component, that water borne component to this operation to ensure that if there were any movements by sea or any movement through the maritime space we would have been positioned and postured to do an intercept by sea. So the interagency collaboration really demonstrated that it is a mechanism that works.”

As for the two Mexican nationals, both Osuna and Trinidad have been remanded to the Belize Central Prison for drug and immigration offences.  The duo is to reappear in court on May 26.