Cartel Violence in Chetumal Decreases, Belize Authorities Maintain Heightened Security

Reports of cartel-led violence in Chetumal have slowed significantly in the last week.  The situation had heightened to the point where Belize’s authorities had grown concerned over a possible spill-over across the Santa Elena Border in the north.  Police Commissioner Chester Williams spoke on the current situation in the north including the increase of security on Belize’s side.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: “The situation in Chetumal certainly has decreased tremendously. We’re not hearing much about the activities of the cartels in that city and so that is something good for us. Notwithstanding that, though, we still maintain our strong presence along our borders both irregular and regular crossing areas. Again, maintaining integrity of our country is important to us. And so our actions are not going to be dictated by what happens in Chetumal but basically what we believe is in the best interest of our people. And so we remain in place, we continue to do our operations daily, going after persons who we believe are involved in whatever way with the cartels over in Mexico side to make sure that we minimize the activities in our country.”