Drug trafficking trial for the Bladen 12 adjourned until September 15

The trial of the Bladen 12 saw another lengthy adjournment today, this time for five weeks. Today, the matter was adjourned until September 15, when it will resume with the continuation of the testimony of the Belize Central Prison Superintendent, Roberto Novelo. Novelo began his testimony as one of the prosecution’s witnesses yesterday. Among the Bladen 12 are civilians Armando Martinez, Moises Adan Perez, Juan Esparza Sanchez, Heinrich Redecop, Johan Wall, Fredy Orlando Gongora, Adonis Campos, and Efrain Cano. The group also consists of former police officers, Delwin Casimiro, Nelson Middleton, George Ferguson, and Elmer Nah. The men stand accused of facilitating the landing of a drug plane in Bladen Village, Toledo District, in November 2021. They are charged jointly with 2 counts of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, one count of conspiracy to land a plane at an unlicensed aerodrome, and one count of abetment of the importation of a controlled drug. The matter has been before the court since February 5, 2024, making use of a room within the family court at the Charles Bartlett Hyde Building to accommodate the large number of defendants. The case is being heard by Magistrate Baja Shoman, with the group being represented by attorneys Dr. Linden Jones, Leroy Banner, and Dickie Bradley. Despite her pending return to private practice, Alifa Elrington remains the lead prosecutor in the matter.