Today the US Embassy proudly made a Facebook post congratulating the Belize Police Department for what it calls "one of the largest drug seizures in Belize's history."
That may be over-stated for effect but we'll give it to them nonetheless. However, speculation about the aviation fuel still looms. What happened to it and why did customs retreat when they found it? Jaleeza Roberts has the latest:
THE US' Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs today posted this message: "through the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition….Belize and our partners are putting an end to the narco-terrorists operating in our hemisphere. This is in relation to Belize's Anti-Narcotics Unit conducting one of the largest drug seizures in Belize's history, 551 kg of cocaine, along with cash, devices, and other evidence."
Indeed, it was an almost flawless police operation - except for this, the burning vehicle - which customs found loaded with 9 canister of aviation fuel.
Dr. Richard Rosado, COMPOL
"Indeed the customs officers were the first one when the vehicle was discovered. Certain things happened on the ground that required them to retreat, we then retreat and sent additional support from the security forces. When they returned the vehicle was on fire."
Whaat did cause them to retreat? While the police have been reluctant to discuss it, 7 news has received credible information that when customs found the loaded vehicle at the coast near Neuland with two persons there - that's when a boat started to approach and they retreated.
Those were likely the counterparts of the smugglers already at the coast and they didn't know what type of fire power might have been on board the vessel. When customs retreated with the satellite phone and the gun which they got from the smugglers they handed over to the Anti narcotics unit.
When they arrived the vehicle with the aviation fuel had been turned around, possibly to off load the fuel into boat and then set the SUV on fire - possibly not with the 200 liters of aviation fuel inside.
So if the fuel was not burned inside this Chevy Tahoe, could it have left the scene and turned up in the vehicle found near the plane area later that day?:
Dr. Richard Rosado, COMPOL
"Also intercepted at the landing site was a Chevrolet suburban SUV occupied by two Belizean National. That vehicle has since been impounded as investigation continues."
So far, none of the Belizeans have been charged and the question - as it has since the beginning remains - who lit the SUV and what were they trying to hide?
And, we note that the 551 kilo bust is impressive - but far from the record, which is well over one ton.
