3 weeks ago
6
The Belize Police Department says a recent gun and ammunition seizure in the Lake Independence area forms part of a broader national crackdown that resulted in significant recoveries throughout 2025. Police say the items confiscated during Tuesday’s intelligence-led operation added to the overall total of illegal firearms and ammunition removed from Belizean streets last year. While no arrests were made at the time of the discovery, authorities stress that the recovery reflects ongoing, targeted efforts to disrupt criminal networks and reduce violent crime nationwide. According to police, enforcement operations carried out during 2025 led to the seizure of multiple firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and large quantities of illicit drugs, highlighting the scale and consistency of anti-crime initiatives across the country.
Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “That is the total amount of firearms that were seized by the police department for 2025 at 234 and the amount of ammunition at 7,477. Additionally a total of 194 persons were arrested and charged during this period under review for offenses related to firearms and ammunition. 9mm pistols accounted for 123 of those seized firearms and 14 were high powered rifles with the remaining being different calibers, .38 or shotguns. As it relates to drugs 705,638 grams of cannabis were seized, 41,784 grams of cocaine, over 5,000 grams of crack cocaine were all seized for the period under review and a total of 1562 persons were charged for drug related offenses.”
Police say these intelligence-driven operations will continue into 2026, with an increased focus on preventative policing, community safety initiatives, and sustained pressure on criminal activity across high-risk areas. Authorities are again urging members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activity through the nearest police station or Crime Stoppers./
English (US) ·