Counternarcotics and Law Enforcement Country Program: Belize

Challenges

Belize, part of the major transit zone for narcotics moving towards the U.S., was removed from the President’s list of Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries in 1999. However, new evidence that Belize is a regular transshipment point continues to emerge. Belize is a potentially significant transshipment point for illicit drugs between Colombia and Mexico. In addition, Belize continues to cultivate a small amount of marijuana, primarily for local consumption. Contiguous borders with Guatemala and Mexico, large tracts of unpopulated jungles and forested areas, a lengthy unprotected coastline, hundreds of small cayes (islands), and numerous navigable inland waterways, combined with the country’s rudimentary infrastructure, add to its appeal for drug trafficking. Officials continue to find a number of abandoned suspect boats and airplanes in Belizean waters and in clandestine areas.

The Government of Belize (GOB) recognizes that the transit of cocaine and other drugs is a serious matter, but is unable to provide sufficient financial assistance to support police units tasked with narcotics investigations. However, the GOB continues to work closely with the United States on international crime issues and has been extremely helpful in the extradition of U.S. fugitives over the last year.

The Belize National Coast Guard (BNCG--created by legislation in late 2004) will be an integral force in deterring narcotics transshipments, but it also lacks sufficient financing. Targets for reaching initial operability in littoral waters by end of calendar year 2005 are in jeopardy. Developing a blue water capability is still years away. Belize has joined other Central American (CENTAM) countries participating in the Cooperating Nations Information Exchange System (CNIES), which has resulted in several significant seizures in coordinated interdiction operations, particularly with Guatemala.

Although the Belize Police Department (BPD) continues to process new classes of recruits, the force has not grown: because of internal corruption and reprimands, the number of officers remains steady (slightly less than 1,000, nationwide). The BPD, the Belize Defense Force (BDF), and International Airport Security Division continue counternarcotics efforts. The BPD successfully seized a plane packed with 700 kilograms of cocaine and a variety of automatic weapons in 2004.

• Develop a sustainable infrastructure to combat drug trafficking, illicit movement of persons, and crime, through training of police, Coast Guard, judiciary, prosecutors and immigration and customs officials.
  
  
• Encourage the Government to curb internal corruption, which enables organized criminal activity.

The United States has provided substantial assistance to the Canine Unit, a branch of the Anti-Drug Unit (ADU) within the BPD. The canines have been trained to detect explosives, as well as drugs and weapons.

In addition, the U.S. Government (USG) provided equipment and training for a new Forensics Program with an emphasis on crime scene management and fingerprinting. The goal is to have trained professionals who can testify in court regarding fingerprints and other forensic evidence, leading to increased prosecutions for drug and other crimes. Additional training was provided for the Department of Immigration, the Customs and Excise Department, the Magistrate Courts, the Supreme Court, and the Director of Public Prosecution’s Office. The USG also funded all training initiatives for the new Civilian Crime Scene Unit.

The USG also is funding a study on the problem of trafficking in persons to and through Belize. Another project will assist in training government officials, civil society, and representatives of the private sector to identify and assist victims of trafficking and to implement laws and regulations effectively.

In a major effort over coming years, the USG will assist the GOB in the development of a Belizean Coast Guard. By the end of FY2007, all of the GOB's maritime assets will have been consolidated in their Coast Guard, with other maritime entities phased out. Improved interdiction capabilities will enhance protection of the host country's territorial sovereignty, discourage criminal activities, and help protect the rich marine environment and resources.

A major upgrade of the GOB's maritime communications system is well underway; this will yield dividends for years to come in the areas of: law enforcement, counter-narcotics, and anti-smuggling efforts; port security and commercial efficiency; search-and-rescue and disaster preparedness; and maritime safety.