ECNETNews, Belize City, Belize, September 30, 2024: Authorities in Belize are intensifying their investigation following the discovery of suspected cocaine aboard a boat owned by government Minister Andre Perez, who oversees the Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management portfolios. Police reported finding 474 grams of the suspected drug on Perez’s vessel in San Pedro on September 27, 2024.
In a recent statement, Minister Perez indicated that the boat had been docked for repairs and remained unused for over six months. Initial findings suggest that the drugs may have been planted without his knowledge, and the minister is fully cooperating with ongoing inquiries.
The boatyard owner has supported Perez’s claims, confirming that he has consistently paid a monthly docking fee of BDZ$250 (approximately US$122) during the boat’s period of inactivity.
Perez, who returned to government after a hiatus in August of the previous year due to an unrelated investigation, previously faced scrutiny related to a scandal involving a female attorney.
When asked about the drug discovery, Perez expressed disbelief, stating he had “no idea” how the narcotics appeared on his boat while reiterating his commitment to helping the police. “There is nothing to worry about,” he remarked, and when pressed on the possibility of a setup, he suggested, “probably.”
However, Prime Minister John Briceño dismissed the notion of a setup, asserting that it is implausible given that the boat had been out of service for an extended period. “When somebody tipped off the police, they searched it, and they found the drugs. But it’s clear Andre had not been using his boat,” Briceño stated.
The United States designates Belize as a significant transshipment point for cocaine and precursor chemicals used in illegal drug production. Its strategic location, sandwiched between drug-producing nations in South America and the United States, makes Belize particularly vulnerable to drug trafficking activities. The country features vast, unpopulated jungle areas along its borders with Guatemala, while its relatively unpatrolled coastline, complete with numerous small islands and atolls, complicates drug interdiction efforts. These remote jungles also provide a conducive environment for cannabis cultivation and trafficking.
Belize’s proximity to countries with organized and violent cartels exacerbates the issue. While cannabis use is generally accepted within Belizean culture, local authorities actively enforce laws against it.
Despite enhanced patrol efforts by the Belize Coast Guard and the Anti-Drug Unit, both agencies struggle against significant obstacles, including budget constraints, inadequate equipment, and personnel shortages. Corruption and an outdated intelligence and judicial framework further inhibit Belize’s counter-narcotics initiatives, undermining efforts to combat drug trafficking effectively.
