Guatemalans continue to encroach on Belizean territory to illegally harvest Xate leaves. On Saturday, a police and BDF patrol in the Chiquibul Reserve came upon a 16 year old minor and 29 year old Erwin Juarez both Guatemalans with three bundles of Xate leaves. Juarez also carried 4 live rounds of.22 ammunition. They were charged with the possession of forest produce, and unlawful harvesting, while Juarez was additionally charged for possession of unlicensed ammunition. Both were fined a $1,000 each for the Xate, and Juarez was fined $10,000 more for the ammunition. They could not meet the fines and have been confined at the prison.
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Chiquibul Reserve
Belize