Police Deny Reports of Foiled Assassination Plot Targeting Government Minister

The Belize Police Department has issued a strong denial following widespread reports on social media and several local news pages alleging that police had foiled an assassination plot targeting an elected member of the Briceño administration.  Since this morning, posts circulated by outlets including The Guardian Newspaper and Hot Off The Press, claimed that alleged gang members were detained in connection with a plot to kill an Orange Walk District representative. The reports further suggested the alleged plot was linked to a dispute involving millions of dollars and that police intelligence operations had intervened just in time to prevent the attack.  However, in an official statement released by the Police Public Relations Team, the Belize Police Department categorically rejected those claims, stating that no such operation was conducted and that the reports are untrue.  Police also reminded media houses and members of the public that it is an offence under the law to maliciously fabricate or knowingly spread false news or reports, whether in writing or by word of mouth, with the intent to cause public alarm or public detriment.  The department urged responsible journalism and cautioned the public against sharing unverified information, emphasizing that official updates should only be taken from authorized police channels.