Police found a huge stash of weed and weaponry in Chan Chen Village on Sunday evening. Chan Chen is the northern - most village in Belize and it's also close to Patchakan - which is a contraband hotspot.
But, this was more than just regular contraband - it was a narc-stash - including almost 80 pounds of weed, close to two thousand live rounds for assault rifles, shotguns and pistols, as well as a high powered assault rifle, a shotgun, a riot rifle and two bulletproof vests.
So who is all this outlaw stuff for? That's what we asked police today:...
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head - NCIB
"On yesterday's date Sunday July 8th, shortly after 5pm Corozal police visited an area in Chan Chen where upon arrival a search was conducted in a bushy area, which is usually frequently visited by those in the contraband trade, where police discovered 43 parcels of cannabis, weighing a total of 35.74 kilograms and 1,892 rounds of assorted ammunition which included 5.56, 7.62, 9mm, 12 gauge cartridges and other ammunitions. Also recovered was one pump 12 shotgun, 1 AR15 rifle, 2 bullet proof vests and other parafernalia."
Reporter
"All this was found in one sight?"
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head - NCIB
"Yes, they were in one area."
Reporter
"Were police acting on information received?"
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head - NCIB
"The police have been looking at that area for a while. Based on intelligence as well as some surveillance the operation was conducted."
Reporter
"Sir, I'll ask you plainly. Who is all this stuff for?"
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head - NCIB
"If we knew, that person would be arrested."
Reporter
"Is it you believe for local agents acting on behalf of narco groups - narco cartels from Mexico or is it for Mexicans? What's is the connection?"
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head - NCIB
"We are not able to say that at this point."
Reporter
"Do you think it ties to Mexico, the proximity?"
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head - NCIB
"I am not in a position to say that."
Reporter
"Is it related to international narco trafficking activities where we know that planes have been landing in the north etc., and there is a type of organized activity which some might choose to call cartel type activity?"
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head - NCIB
"We are not able to say that, based in the investigation that is being conducted."
All items were deposited as Found property - but they are being run for fingerprints and the serial numbers on the weapons are being checked out. Police believe that weapons and drugs are smuggled into Belize regularly enough in drops like this.
