An American businessman who flew into Belize with a firearm was allowed to leave without facing charges. Police today confirmed that a 49 year old oil executive from Texas flew into Belize on a private jet on January 15th saying he owned an oil company in Houston and was here for business meetings. But, when he was leaving the country on Saturday the 17th, airport security detected a firearm and ammunition in his belongings and took him aside for screening by police stationed at the airport. From there, we are told that calls were made and the matter was escalated to the higher police ranks. The police staff officer told us what happened next:
ASP Stacy Smith, Police Staff Officer
"As it relates to the inquiry I can confirm that indeed an American National was discovered with a firearm on Saturday at the airport. What I have been advised is that the American National, a businessman, when he had surrendered to the scanning that occurs at the airport, the officers there discovered the firearm. He was placed in detention and he immediately stated that he was not aware that the firearm was there. It was an oversight on his part. A thorough check was done in relation to the background of this individual via interpol. Communications were made with the US Embassy where it was learned that he was not a person of interest in any situation. A decision was made to release him and confiscate the firearm by way of an exercise of discretion. Given that by all indications I don't believe somebody would present themselves to a scanning, knowing that they have with them a firearm. The story that he provided was one that was feasible; he was cautioned and reprimanded and was allowed to leave. What I will also say is that this individual came into the country on a private flight some I think a day before just a day before to conduct business."
Observers point out that it's irregular because entering another country with an unlicensed firearm almost always leads to criminal charges and oftentimes remand or a heavy fine.
