We often report on gangsters going to court from the usual Belize City sets - but today, it was the rare occasion when three alleged MS-13 gang members were taken to court.
Today around midday - police took 20 year old Abel Martinez, 30 year old Angel Ruiz, and 35 year old Hilberto Ruiz to court for being a member of a gang, specifically the NLS, the NORMANDIE LOCOS SALVATRUCHA, a clique of the MS-13 gang.
In Belize, the gang is based in the Krooman Lagoon area where, according to reports, MS - 13 members have been creating havoc, allegedly involved in burning down homes and machete attacks.
Today in court, Hilberto RUIZ pleaded guilty - he said not because he is actually guilty but because it's just been too much harassment. He told the court he is a working man and is the breadwinner for his family. He told the court that he is not an active gang member and changed his plea when he turned out that he would not be fined, but confined.
With that, his younger brother Angel RUIZ and their friend Abel MARTINEZ pleaded not guilty. All three were remanded to the Belize Central Prison.
Police say they have been investigating the 3 men from February 2018. They told the court the gang has over 5 active members who are involved in gang related activities by committing acts such as extortion, blackmailing and other serious offenses.
