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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL STRATEGY REPORT, MARCH 1996: BELIZE
United States Department of State
Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
I. Summary
Belize's geographical location makes it an ideal drug transshipment
point for U.S.-bound cocaine shipments. The country's long, unprotected
coastline, large tracts of rain forest, many inland waterways, and large
unpopulated areas make Belize an inviting feeder site for traffickers
moving drugs into Mexican trafficking routes. The frequency of
narcotics airdrops off Belize's coast and several important seizures are
signs that trafficking organizations view it as a valuable transit
point. In 1995, Belizean authorities seized a total of 840 kilograms of
cocaine, 636 of which was in a single operation. The police and the
Belize Defense Force (BDF) worked well with USG law enforcement
agencies; however, their efforts were hampered by failure to secure
convictions in the country's courts. In 1995, the Government of Belize
(GOB) formed a dedicated counternarcotics unit known as the Violent
Crime/Counternarcotics Intelligence Unit. Although the GOB discourages
spray eradication, it continues its effective manual eradication of
marijuana and supports USG aerial surveys of illicit cultivation.
Belize is not a party to the 1988 UN Convention.
II. Status of Country
As traffickers leave other areas that have implemented increasingly
successful counternarcotics programs, drug transshipment through Belize
has steadily increased. The country's rudimentary infrastructure for
combatting trafficking combine with its geography -- a long coast and
sparsely inhabited interior -- to make Belize a major drug transit site.
In earlier years, the British Defense Forces stationed in Belize were a
partial deterrent to drug traffic, though cocaine transited the country
even then. Their withdrawal in late 1994 cleared the way for new
trafficking opportunities.
An example of the level of transshipment occurring in Belize took place
in September 1995 when the GOB granted the U.S. Coast Guard permission
to pursue two go-fast boats into Belizean water. The boats jettisoned
their loads and escaped. The U.S. Coast Guard subsequently recovered
over 1.1 mt of cocaine from the water.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1995
Policy Initiatives. By upgrading professionalism and material
resources, the GOB has focused on efforts to reduce drug trafficking
through its borders and combat the violent crime caused by drug use and
trafficking. Although the GOB discourages aerial spray eradication, it
continues its effective manual eradication of marijuana and cooperates
with USG aerial monitoring of illicit cultivation.
Accomplishments. In 1995, the GOB formed a dedicated counternarcotics
unit known as the Violent Crime/Counternarcotics Intelligence Unit (VIU)
to investigate and arrest drug offenders and dismantle criminal
organizations. In addition to twelve police officers, the VIU works
with and draws on other law enforcement elements throughout Belize. In
1995 the Belize police force seized 636 kgs of cocaine and arrested two
Colombians and a Belizean believed to be connected to the Cali drug
mafia.
Law Enforcement Efforts. The GOB considers trafficking in crack
cocaine its most serious drug problem, primarily because of the crime
that accompanies it. Targeting major cocaine traffickers has not been a
GOB priority in the past; however, in 1995 the Ministry of National
Security, the police, and the BDF emphasized law enforcement capability
and demonstrated increased attention to anti-narcotics activities.
Belize was an active participant in two DEA-sponsored surge operations
coordinated with other law enforcement units in the region.
Corruption. Information routinely surfaces suggesting possible drug-
related corruption in the police, customs and immigration services. An
alleged member of the Cali drug organization who was arrested in
connection with the seizure of 636 kgs of cocaine, escaped from prison
with little effort in April. One prison guard was fired for suspected
complicity in the escape, and several others were disciplined, but no
criminal charges were filed. A suspected cocaine trafficker, who was
captured with drugs in his boat, was defended by a relative of a cabinet
official. The accused trafficker was acquitted, and charges were
dismissed against his accomplices, who were also defended by the same
attorney.
Agreements and Treaties. Belize is party to the 1961 Single Convention
and the protocol thereto, but has not yet acceded to the 1988 UN
convention. Extradition with the U.S. is governed by the 1972 US/UK
treaty which remained in effect after Belizean independence from the
U.K. Belize supports the expulsion to the U.S. of non-Belizean
fugitives. In one instance in 1995, a Belizean national was extradited
to the U.S.
Cultivation and Production. A USG survey in November revealed that in
Belize marijuana continues to be cultivated in small tracts. Prohibited
from using aerially applied sprays, the BDF and the Belize police
eradicate fields manually. There is no evidence of production of drugs
other than marijuana in Belize, nor is there evidence of traffic in
precursor chemicals.
Money Laundering. With over 1,000 companies registered under the
International Business Companies (IBC) Act, money laundering has the
potential to be a threat of major proportions. The country has not
criminalized money laundering, nor does it regulate the movement of
currency. Bearer-negotiable instruments are not restricted. At the end
of 1995, the GOB was considering new legislation to govern off-shore
investments and banking.
Domestic Programs. Demand reduction is coordinated by the National Drug
Abuse Control Council (NDACC) which provides drug abuse education,
information, counseling, rehabilitation and outreach. NDACC plans to
further develop its six regional offices. Pride Belize Foundation, a
private voluntary organization, focuses on student assistance programs,
a private sector employee assistance program, and an information system
on the extent of drug use. The 1995 school drug usage survey suggests
that regular use of marijuana (1%) and cocaine/crack (0.3%) have not
increased.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
Policy Initiatives. The U.S. strategy in Belize has been to support GOB
development of a sustainable infrastructure which will allow it to
combat drugs effectively. Support includes equipment and training for
the VIU, JICC (Joint Information Coordination Center), police, and BDF.
The GOB has also received counternarcotics support from the U.S.
military and Coast Guard. The GOB understands that continued assistance
depends on the success of counternarcotics programs in seizing drugs and
arresting and convicting traffickers.
Road Ahead. Marijuana cultivation, though not expanding, must be kept
under control. The GOB will continue to resist drug trafficking,
primarily through the efforts of the police and the BDF. The USG must
continue to support counternarcotics efforts in Belize or cede ground to
the drug traffickers.
[Editor's Note: EXCEL file; see Charts and Graphs Directory]
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