United States drug enforcement information continues to show that Belize's largely un-policed coastline continues to be a prime area of movement for Colombian drug vessels taking their product to Mexico for transshipment to the United States. And that's why the US is supporting the establishment of the Belize Coast Guard. No, the global superpower didn't donate a fleet of go-fast vessels, US Ambassador Russell Freeman this afternoon handed over the keys to one re-fitted 39-foot skiff to Home Affairs Minister Ralph Fonseca. Freeman says the donation will aid both countries in their fight against narco-trafficking.
Russell Freeman, US Ambassador
"Well its important for our country as well as Belize. It helps Belize patrol its coastal waters, helps prevent drugs or slow down the flow of drugs that comes through Belize into the United States, and it also helps our homeland security by patrolling the coast of Belize."
The skiff is a retrofitted Colombian drug-running craft valued at US$52,000. It is equipped with radios, radar and GPS.
