PM Downplays Reports of Free Zone Trade War Amid Shooting Link

During Mai’s term as the Minister for Enterprise, he had full control of the Corozal Free Zone.  Recently, there are reports of a trade war between and among cigarette importers.  It has reportedly created much friction and tension, so much so, that the attempted killing of Nitin Buxani last month may be linked.  Prime Minister Briceno spoke on this matter today, dispelling the reports of a trade war.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “It raises great concern, I don’t know about the war brewing. No, there’s no such thing as illegal tobacco war I don’t know where you get that story. But yes, there is some concerns. I remember from the time we were elected in government in 2020 one of my greatest concerns that I’ve expressed, especially to the United States, to the people at the Chargé d’affaires and ambassadors or former ambassadors was my concern about the cartels getting closer and closer to our borders and we need to do everything possible to keep them out of this country. Just a few months ago meeting with the both Ministers of Defense and Home Affairs Minister Mira and Minister Musa, along with Ambassador Delsid who is in charge of the National Security Council we had a discussion on how we can strengthen the patrols with the BDF, the police, the Coast Guard in that area, and we had to agree to approve another $8 million for them to be able to give them more equipment, more vehicles, be able to pay them the overtime because they work some long hours to ensure that we can keep these people out of Belize and that continues to be our battle and we will not give up because the security of our people comes first and foremost.”