Belize security forces seize plane, 551kg of suspected cocaine

Security forces in Belize say they have seized a plane and more than 550 kilograms of suspected cocaine following a multi-agency operation carried out over the weekend in the northern part of the country.

Authorities said the operation, conducted on April 10 in the Neuland area of the Corozal District, resulted in the seizure of 551.39 kilograms of suspected cocaine, a Cessna aircraft, and the arrest of two Mexican nationals believed to be pilots.

In a statement, the Belize Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise said security forces tracked the aircraft as it departed from South America using live intelligence feeds from international partners.

“Our security forces tracked the aircraft as it departed from South America, using live feeds from partner nations. A three-phase operation was initiated, with intelligence units conducting surveillance of known and clandestine landing sites,” the ministry said.

Authorities added that specialised units from various agencies were then deployed to targeted locations across the country.

“At approximately 6:14 pm on 10th April, the aircraft landed in the Neuland area. Our law enforcement team moved in and seized the aircraft and its contents, detaining the two Mexican nationals believed to be the pilots, along with two Belizean nationals found in the area,” the ministry added.

Officials said additional details have not yet been made public as investigators pursue a parallel probe aimed at identifying the key figures behind the suspected drug shipment and broader narcotics transshipment networks.

“Through strengthened law enforcement, enhanced local and regional cooperation, and comprehensive prevention strategies, we will continue to confront these threats head-on,” the ministry said.

The operation was coordinated by the Joint Intelligence Operations Centre (JIOC), with support from specialised units of the Belize Police Department, Belize Defence Force, Belize Coast Guard, and the Belize Customs Department.

Authorities said the successful operation underscores the government’s continued efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and combat organised crime across the country.