Honduran National Faces Drug Possession and Immigration Charges

This morning, a charge for drug possession was compounded due to an immigration offence for 42-year-old Honduran national Erly Duarte. (COURT VO 2). Duarte appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court charged for having 14 grams of marijuana in his possession. He immediately pleaded guilty and was fined two hundred and fifty-five dollars. In court, the magistrate inquired about his status in Belize and Duarte said he was in the country for about a year while seeking asylum. However, when the matter was investigated, it was found that Duarte was living in Belize illegally for three years, so, he was additionally charged with illegal entry. Durate was fined a thousand dollars for that offense. Duarte is set to be deported once he settles his fines. If he is unable to pay them by Friday, he will spend six months in prison before being deported.