Yesterday, we told you about a large stash of heroin that the cops intercepted at a gas station in Belmopan.
It weighed in at almost 8 pounds found inside the pan of a Ford Ranger with Stann Creek plates. The vehicle was occupied by four men-three of them from Valley Community in Stann Creek and one from Maskall Village, Belize District.
It's an important and rare bust - heroin is almost unheard of in Belize.
We asked the COMPOL about it today, and he told us that he was happy that officers were able to make the interception.
Jules Vasquez
"Can you speak about the heroin, the almost 8 pounds of heroin that was intercepted on Tuesday, a very unusual drug. Where did it come from? Where was it heading? Do you know who it was for? And who was making money off it?"
Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police
"I'm not going to speak much of that because it is still a part of a bigger investigation that we are doing, so I'm not going to say much about it other than to confirm that yes the police did make that bust and a few persons were arrested and charged. We have other things we are following on, so I'm not going to say much where that is concerned."
Jules Vasquez
"Are you concerned that Belize, which has been relatively free from heroin use or heroin smuggling might now some drug traffickers may be looking at channels or gateway through Belize for this very dangerous drug?"
Chester Williams
"Of course, we have to always keep an open mind in terms of the creativity of these drug pushers. Heroin carry a more attractive price tag than cocaine and so once they would have the opportunity to smuggle it, they are going to try and so I am very happy that we were able to make that interception and those persons involved were detained and charged and we're going to keep our eyes and ears open because we believe there is more that they might try to smuggle through the country."
As you heard the investigation is ongoing, however, several have been arrested and charges for drug trafficking.
