Friday's 1,215-pound cocaine seizure has already gone down as one of the most successful law enforcement operations in recent memory.
Tonight, we look in detail at what was disclosed at yesterday's press conference and what wasn't. Jaleeza Roberts made some observations and files this report:
The story of the capture of the Cessna drug plane began on Friday morning when law enforcement got a tip that a suspect plane was incoming:
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"The operation began approximately 10:36am when the United States Interagency Task Force South detected an unidentified aircraft over the Pacific Ocean, southwest of San Jose, Costa Rica. 4 minutes later, the aircraft was declared an air track of interest."
Three hours later, three customs officers on an enforcement patrol for contraband found this Chevy Tahoe near the sea in Neuland, Corozal District.
They found it with fuel, a satellite phone, and a firearm: three known elements accompanying any drug plane landing. There were nine 20 liter canisters of blue aviation fuel - the type used by piston engine planes - just like the one that landed:
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"At approximately 1:50pm, a custom enforcement team operating in Neuland village, Corozal district encountered a SUV parked near the coastline. The vehicle was occupied by two Belizean nationals and one Mexican national and inside the vehicle officers discovered 9 canisters of suspected aviation fuel, a firearm and a satellite phone, these were clear indicators that the Nueland village was the intended landing site of the aircraft."
But for reasons still undisclosed, the top cop and the staff officer says customs had to retreat:
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"As I have indicated, it was customs enforcement team that made the interception and given the circumstances that was at hand at the time which I will not get into the specifics, it was prudent for the customs officers to withdraw."
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"Commissioner indicated that the burning did not occur by law enforcement officials, Mr.Lopez. The situation at hand - which we will not get into the specifics of - it was prudent for those, the team of customs officers to withdraw. It was when they withdrew that we suppose the burning was conducted."
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"Indeed the customs officers were the first one when the vehicle was discovered. Certain things happened on the ground that required them to retreat. Se then retreat and sent additional support from the security forces. When they returned the vehicle was on fire."
They still won't say what happened to force that retreat or who lit up the vehicle - they just know it wasn't them.
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"As it relates to the narrative, that it was law enforcement that burnt the SUV that contained the suspected aviation, that is not so."
And even though it would appear that all the evidence went up in smoke, police claim otherwise:
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"The important thing is that the vehicle was processed in terms of the fact that scenes of crime technicians would have processed it and retrieved items of evidential value, photographs were taken and further processing will be conducted. Indeed it would have been ideal to have all of those items but we are of the view that not withstanding that the items, in terms of the aviation fluid was destroyed. It will not detract from us being able to put forward some evidential material in the intended prosecution."
But regardless of what happened with the burnt vehicle, Belize's law enforcement operation was now in play with a likely location for landing in Neuland provided by the Customs discovery.
But, if their local counterparts had been intercepted - wouldn't that send a signal to the plane that it could not land in Belize?. Apparently, that line of communication had been cut off:
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"There were certain communication devices that I believe did not allow the pilots to communicate to the individual on the ground and I will leave it as that."
And with that, the play was set, it was just a matter of waiting and watching:
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"Over the next few hours, the aircraft moved northwards, changing direction multiple times towards El Salvador, then Nicaragua, and then Honduras. By 2:40 pm, the aircraft was estimated to be just over 1 hour from entering Belize air space. By this time, the operational focus had already been mobilized and strategically deployed in Neuland. At 5:03pm, airspace clearance was granted and the Belize defense force deployed their air asset. At 5:10pm, the Mexican air asset was also granted permission to enter Belize air space to support our operations. At 5:21pm, Belize primary radar confirmed contact with the suspected aircraft. Approximately 6 nautical miles east of Carmelita village, heading northeast. At 6:14pm the aircraft landed in Nueland village."
And a key element was the US & Mexico. Mexico who provided air assets and route tracking.
All players worked in unison to deliver one of the most successful drug plane, cargo and crew busts. So despite the burnt evidence, the police, BDF and Coast Guard could still take a victory lap knowing they pulled off a rare trifecta.
But, if the early detection of the Customs Department was the linchpin to the entire operation, why were they not also afforded a seat at the head table?
Additionally, while the Mexican pilots have been charged and remanded, why haven't the locals found near the plane been charged?
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"Based on the availability of evidence, and the Director of Public Prosecution, there was insufficient evidence to charge the Belizean national, however they remain persons of interest and the investigation continues."
It's the only missing piece in an otherwise perfect policing picture - but the nagging question is: could the evidence be insufficient as a result of what was lost in the fire? Jaleeza Roberts, 7 News.
So far, the two Mexicans on the flight, Edgar Aguilar and Paul Valenzuela have been charged with drug trafficking-related charges and remanded to prison.
