Police Urge Caution as 18th Street Gang Members Flee Centro Penal De Maxima Seguridad Frijanes

Police are asking the Belizean public especially those living along the western and southern borders to be on high alert for 20 Guatemalan prisoners, members of the 18 Street Gang who broke out of jail, Centro Penal De Maxima Seguridad Frijanes 2 on October 11.  The escapees are tied to murders, extortion rings and cross-border trafficking operations. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith this morning updated the media. 

Superintendent Stacy Smith: “On October 11, 2025, the Belize Police Department was alerted of the escape of 20 high-profile gang members from a maximum-security prison in Guatemala. These gang members are known to be a part of the 18th Street Gang and  due to Belize’s proximity to that location, it is feared that those persons may make their way into this jurisdiction. Consequently, police officers and the police department have put into place strategic operational efforts to thwart such eventuality.  And the Police Department urges the members of the general public in those areas that are nearest to the borders to be alert for these individuals and to report any suspicious movements as  soon as possible. These persons are dangerous and are to be considered as such and consequently we rely on the members of the general public to assist us with information if ever they may come across these individuals.”