Police link drug trade to rising turf war tensions in Cayo

By Zoila Palma:  The Belize Police Department has indicated that it is aware of the sale of drugs in San Ignacio and Santa Elena that has triggered violent crimes in the community.

ASP Stacy Smith, Police Staff Officer says that the department is aware of the issues occurring in this area.

“The Department has always been cognizant of the issues that are attendant when it comes to the sale of drugs and that is why, as minuscule as it may seem to some, that when persons are arrested for drug trafficking that matter is made public and I make it my business to have those persons who are alleged to be engaged in such activities be known to the public because as stated we know that it is the sale of drugs that fuels these rivalries. Not only does it cause the loss of life of persons in terms of the violence, but the degradation of the family structure, the fact that persons in the neighborhood are not at peace when their properties are being hunted for persons who want to have a quick fix,” Smith explained.

In addition, Smith said that the Belize Police Department remains available to provide the statistics to see what occurred over the past few years, which has resulted in a transition from marijuana being one of the mainstream drugs to cocaine and crack being used.

“And in terms of the operational efforts in Western Belize, they are afoot and we are adjusting. We are cognizant that this most recent incident pertains to someone of interest and we are tailoring our operational efforts in that regard,” Smith added.

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