An attorney is questioning the authority of the Customs Departments to operate vehicular check points, specifically to conduct searches. Attorney Tiffany Cadle went live on Facebook last night after she drove past what she calls an illegal checkpoint - manned by personnel other than a police officer. It turned out to be Customs - who set chase after her. She says such checkpoints are illegal. Here is a clip of the Facebook live:
Cadle was with her mother at the time. In a rare release today Customs says its officers are currently engaged in a Joint Law Enforcement Operation with Police, BDF, Coast Guard and Immigration, quote, "with the intent to interdict all nature of illicit goods and combat all forms of transnational organized illicit activities within Belize."
The release adds, quote, "under the laws and regulations of Customs, it is lawful for any officer of customs or police officer, or any person acting in his aid and assistance, upon reasonable suspicion to stop and examine any vehicle or conveyance for the purpose of ascertaining whether any smuggled, prohibited or forfeited goods are contained therein. This power is not restricted to ports of entry and any goods liable to forfeiture under any customs law may be seized in any place of Belize either on land and water." Customs says it urges members of the public to cooperate.
