As you heard the Commissioner insist, joint Belizean law enforcement teams were pivotal in forcing the narcos operating those flights to divert away from Belize. And that's why he and the BDF General - who was more diplomatic - disagreed with the Coast Guard Commandant who attributed the reduction of drug plane landings in Belize to their leadership of the Joint Intelligence Operating Center, JIOC.
For context, we revisit the Coast Guard Admiral's comments, followed by the BDF General's reaction:
Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belie Coast Guard
"The impact that we've had on drug trafficking on Belize has certainly decreased. When you look at plane landings in Belize, it certainly decreased. That is credited to our officer that is posted at the joint intelligence and operating center. Currently the Coast Guard is the director of the JIOC and they've been doing an exceptional job in terms of reducing air traffic. So if you'd notice, the last aircraft that landed in Belize would have been sometime around July. So, that is exceptional work from the Coast Guard."
Reporter
"Does that put you all to shame because obviously there is collusion within the police department and drug related criminals but I also think we've seen that BDF have also been involved."
Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commander, B.D.F.
"What your asking is a rhetorical question and you are trying to create mischief here. We respect the commandant of the Coast Guard. My aim for the Belize Defense Force is to ensure that we are 100% combat effective force is the Belize Defense Force and we will do what is right to maintain the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation. I won't go there talking much about this, my intent is that the Belize Defense Force is always there to support any agency, any government institution and NGO as well. We will do that to the best of our ability. If there has been any reductions, that's what it is, and if we have done so, it is not because of one only organization but because of a whole government approach."
ComPol Chester, who is not known to mince words, went on to make that case for the "whole of government approach" that has led to better collaboration between Belize's three major law enforcement arms:
