US-Belizean Detained After Gun Found in Routine Search

Darnain Garcia is currently in police custody following the discovery of an unlicensed firearm and multiple rounds of ammunition during a routine inspection conducted by the Belize Customs Department. The illegal items were found during standard checks by law enforcement authorities. Commissioner of Police confirmed that Garcia is a U.S. national with Belizean parentage.

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police: “On the 27th of June during a routine customs inspection at the Northern border led to the discovery of an undeclared dutiable goods in a shipment. Upon further examination on July 11th in the presence of the owner, customs officers subsequently along with police uncovered three firearms, several magazines and approximately 1,300 rounds of ammunition which subsequently led to the arrest of Darnene Garcia for illicit trafficking of firearms and ammunition. The individual that was detained is a US national but his parents are Belizean and he was, from our information, he was returning home and he arrived in Belize through the Philip Goldson International Airport on July 11th and subsequently went to collect his items at the northern border which was shipped prior to his arrival in Belize.”

There was a second incident on July 12 at around 9pm when Customs called the Police for assistance at the Santa Elena Border.  In this matter, Police found 133 pounds of high grade weed and arrested 70-year-old Eric Duhaney who was charged for possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another.