Police Probe Customs Officers in Alleged Drug Smuggling Operation

Police continue to probe in a suspected drug smuggling ring uncovered at the Customs and Excise Department. Last month, two customs officers, who are siblings, came under the police’s microscope after a box with over 15 pounds of marijuana arrived at the Port of Belize. The two officers in question reportedly asked one of their colleagues to check on the freight that came in a shipment. The box in question was documented as carrying bath and body products, but when it was searched, it turned out to be 15 pounds of high-grade marijuana. The situation sparked an investigation into the officers and what police believe is an apparent smuggling operation. Yesterday, Minister of the Public Service Henry Charles Usher weighed in on the situation and whether the officers have been placed on administrative leave.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service and Governance: “From a public service level no I have not gotten any report, I think the investigation is still ongoing. I think what they’re trying to determine is whether other individuals were involved as well to see exactly the extent because it can’t just be a small group doing this. The feeling is that there were other people so I think once that investigation is completed then it will go through the proper procedure through the public service and I’m sure the police is also investigating because it was the quantity of the drug that was found and the illegality of the act that was done.”

Reporter: How concerning is it that the public officers and more than these two persons may have been involved ? 

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service and Governance: “Very concerning. Always I try to remind public officers that they have a duty to uphold the law, to respond to the public, to provide the best possible services to the people of Belize and whenever we get instances like this it’s really an unfortunate case. Really we want to make sure we have persons in place that are working for the best interest of Belize.”

The officers were reportedly stationed in Belize City.