And keeping it in Corozal, there was a showdown on Friday night in San Victor village. This is one fo the contraband hotspots, and police were on patrol at the home of a man suspected to be a smuggler when they end dup in a confrontation with angry villagers who appeared to have been drinking. They were defiant and menacing to the police. Myvette told us more:
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
"On Friday sometime after 8:00 pm members of the mobile interdiction team were on operation within the San Victor area and acting on an information they visited a resident in San Victor village where they intended to conduct a search on an ISUZU trooper that was inside an unfenced yard and in so doing two persons came out the house one of whom was armed with a machete and there was a confrontation between those 4 officers and the two persons who were quickly joined by a number of villagers. As a result, the officers called, requested for additional support which did arrive some 45 minutes later where the situation was quelled and 8 persons including a minor were taken into custody. Those 8 persons are believed to be from one family and an investigation was carried out where police levied charges on individuals who are Benjamin Edwardo, Anapolia Hilberto, Arjeni Victor, Victor Sr., Victor Jr., Emilio and a 17-year-old minor all for the offenses of obstruction, aggravated assault, common assault and indecent words. They are to appear in court today in relation to that. What I must also mention is that the police is going to continue to maintain a strong presence in that area in order to deter those who are involved in the contraband trade."
Jules Vasquez:
"Explain to me what those officers went through in terms of, you are outnumbered, you can use lethal force but it will be a bloodbath it is a tough situation to be in."
ACP Joseph Myvett
"I think that the officers tried to maintain some calm while that support would have arrived to deal with the situation considering the number of persons that have surrounded them or that were in the immediate area."
Jules Vasquez:
"Will you all have to change up how you go out on patrol because obviously when these villagers, this village has a strong history of outlaw behavior."
ACP Joseph Myvett
"That's why I am saying to you."
Jules Vasquez:
"It can't be 4 men going out."
ACP Joseph Myvett
"That's why I am saying to you, that we are going to maintain a stronger presence in that area to deter those that are involved in the contraband trade."
Jules Vasquez:
"Sir..."
ACP Joseph Myvett
"And it is not going to be 4 officers, I can assure you."
Today in Corozal magistrate's court, a very different story emerged where many of the charges against the members of the CAntun family were dismissed. They were charged variously for obstruction and using obscene language and assaulting a police officer AGAINST VARIOUS police officers.
Over 40 charges were brought against 9 family members, and about 10 of the charges were dismissed.
Also in court, One defendant had an open wound on the left side of his stomach, and another defendant said he was grazed by bullet on his head, and was shot on left side of his back and right buttocks. They say police did not take them to a doctor which incensed the magistrate.
