UDP Alleges Government Complicity in Sugar Smuggling

The United Democratic Party is accusing the government of facilitating the smuggling of sugar out of Belize. The opposition issued a release this morning claiming that it, quote, “has been made aware of yet another law enforcement seizure of sugar destined for illegal cross-border trade that was pardoned by a bombastic PUP Cabinet Minister from Orange Walk.” End of quote.  The party alleges that a recent patrol of the Belize Defence Force along the Rio Hondo River resulted in sacks of sugar being seized from individuals at an unsanctioned border point. According to the UDP, the owner of the sugar made a phone call that resulted in the soldiers being instructed to return the sugar and let the men go. The opposition claims the men had a permit to export sugar from the Belize Agriculture and Health Authority (BAHA) and believes the government is sanctioning the contraband of Belizean sugar. In its release, the party says residents of Patchakan Village, who witnessed the ordeal, are raising alarms because it is difficult to find sugar for less than $1.25 per pound in their community. The UDP also questions why the men were allegedly using an illegal border crossing if they had an export permit. In ending, the opposition echoed its call for law enforcement agents to defy ministerial pressure, and intercept and prosecute sugar smugglers that are causing market shortages, quota systems, and increased prices of local sugar.