And another major security issue between Belize and Guatemala are the guns that are smuggled across from Guatemala. This weapons come through illegal border crossings - including the river and are sold for cheap on the black market - where they go into the armoires of local gangs and outlaws. In the past, police have even found hand grenades smuggled over form Guatemala to add to the weapons stockpile of local gangs.
Broaster said it is a live issue that they are discussing:
Reporter
"Guns coming across from Guatemala, it's thought to be a major supply for Belizean outlaws, what can be done about that?"
Edward Broaster, Acting Commissioner of Police
"That is something we will be discussing with our counterparts at this time and try to improve upon the sharing of information with our counterparts and try to identify the source of where these are guns are coming from so that we can put a dent in the trafficking of those firearms as well as the trafficking of drugs and stolen goods coming from the Belize across to Guatemala in exchange for drugs. Those are a number of the issues that we will be discussing with our counterparts."
