Man Sentenced After Changing Plea in Crack Cocaine Case

Tonight, a Belize City resident apprehended in January for alleged possession of crack cocaine is behind bars after reversing his initial plea in court. Edras Lopez had previously pleaded not guilty to a charge of possession of a controlled drug. However, after his bail was revoked due to a violation of its conditions, Lopez was brought before the court again yesterday. This time, he changed his plea to guilty. Lopez was charged with possession of 0.1 grams of crack cocaine, an offense for which he was arrested on Friday, January 24, 2025, while on Barbara Harris Street in Belize City. Upon his change of plea, the Magistrate imposed a fine of $150.00, along with a $5.00 cost of court. Lopez has been ordered to pay this total of $155.00 by June 30th, 2025, or face a one-month prison sentence in default. The court records indicate that this is Lopez’s third conviction for a drug-related offense.