Belize is a potentially significant transshipment point for illicit drugs between Colombia and Mexico. In addition, Belize continues to cultivate a small amount of marijuana, primarily for local consumption. Contiguous borders with Guatemala and Mexico, large tracts of unpopulated jungles and forested areas, a lengthy unprotected coastline, hundreds of small cayes (islands), and numerous navigable inland waterways, combined with the country’s rudimentary infrastructure, add to its appeal for drug trafficking. Officials continue to find a number of abandoned suspect boats and airplanes in Belizean waters and in clandestine areas.
U.S. Counternarcotics Goals
- Develop a sustainable infrastructure to combat drug trafficking, illicit movement of persons, and crime, through training of police, Coast Guard, judiciary, prosecutors and immigration and customs officials.
- Encourage the Government to curb internal corruption, which enables organized criminal activity.
- Encourage the Government to pass and implement pending legislation requesting wider authority relative to intelligence collection and electronic intercepts and a Chemical Precursors Control Act.
U.S. Programs
The United States has provided substantial assistance to the Canine Unit, a branch of the Anti-Drug Unit (ADU) within the BPD. The canines have been trained to detect explosives, as well as drugs and weapons. In addition, the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) provided equipment and training for a new Forensics Program with an emphasis on crime scene management and fingerprinting. Additional training was provided for the Department of Immigration, the Customs and Excise Department, the Magistrate Courts, the Supreme Court, and the Director of Public Prosecution’s Office. The U.S. Government (USG) also funded all training initiatives for the new Civilian Crime Scene Unit.
Currently, INL is funding a study on the problem of trafficking in persons to and through Belize. Another project will assist in training government officials, civil society, and representatives of the private sector to identify and assist victims of trafficking and to implement laws and regulations effectively. In 2007 INL funded maritime law enforcement training to the BNCG, including courses in search and rescue, engineering and logistics, port security, small boat operations, and professional development training. Improved interdiction capabilities have enhanced protection of the host country's territorial sovereignty, discouraged criminal activities, and helped protect the rich marine environment and resources.
The USG will continue to assist the Government of Belize (GOB) to improve its maritime interdiction capabilities through training, the construction of a BNCG forward operating base in the offshore islands, construction of a new BNCG headquarters building, and donation of equipment and boats through Enduring Friendship.
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