Fisherman fined for possession of crack pipe, denies resisting arrest

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Belize City fisherman was fined after pleading guilty to possession of a utensil used for smoking a controlled drug but denied a separate charge of resisting lawful arrest.

Richard Slusher, 35, of West Canal, appeared unrepresented in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges stemming from an incident on Sunday, August 2.

Police allege that officers stopped Slusher at the corner of West and Basra streets and found a metal pipe, believed to be used for smoking crack cocaine, concealed in the waist of his pants.

Slusher initially pleaded guilty to both charges. However, after the prosecution’s facts were read, he disputed the allegation that he resisted arrest and a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

He was fined $150 plus $5 court costs for possession of the pipe and was given until September 30, 2026, to pay. Failure to pay will result in one week’s imprisonment.

Slusher was offered bail of $300 with one surety for the resisting-arrest charge, which he met after settling an outstanding court fine.

He is scheduled to return to court on September 7, 2026.

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