Tonight police have in custody the pirates who they believe are responsible for last Wednesday's armed robberies on the high sea (High Sea holdup). The five men who were detained in pre-dawn raids in Belize City are being investigated for two successive armed robberies of fishermen off Alligator and Rendezvous Cayes. In both instances, the fishermen tell police they were robbed by armed and masked bandits in a black skiff who stole their catch and other possessions including their boats.
Charges against the five are still pending and so no names are being released tonight but lead investigator Senior Superintendent Edwardo Wade says he is confident these are their pirates.
Sr. Superintendent Edwardo Wade, Lead Investigator
"We have had information which has led us to the detention of four persons who are in custody at this time. These people are mere suspects at this time and if we have events to suggest that they are either directly or indirectly involved then charges will be laid against them."
Keith Swift,
Did you guys recover the stolen boat?
Sr. Superintendent Edwardo Wade,
"We have two boats in custody which we believe are the vessels used in this crime and we trust and hope that we will have evidence to support that theory or that aspect of the investigation."
Keith Swift,
Do you believe the motive was robbery?
Sr. Superintendent Edwardo Wade,
"Well based on what we have in writing the motive seems to be robbery at this time."
Keith Swift,
They went to rob seafood?
Sr. Superintendent Edwardo Wade,
"Yes sea products."
Keith Swift,
These criminals it seemed went to a lot of trouble just to steal conch…
Sr. Superintendent Edwardo Wade,
"Well we are not here to speculate. People are saying they were robbed of fish, watches, and cellular phones and gas and those things. That is what they are saying."
Up to newstime charges against the five are still pending. And those charges if any will have to be brought against the five within 48 hours. Superintendent Wade says they have recovered some of the stolen items not of course including any seafood.