Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BELMOPAN49
2008-01-24 22:34:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Belmopan
Cable title:
BELIZE RESPONSE TO UPDATE FOR DUBLIN GROUP MEETING
how-toVZCZCXRO0539 RR RUEHGR DE RUEHBE #0049 0242234 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 242234Z JAN 08 FM AMEMBASSY BELMOPAN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1040 INFO RUEHZA/WHA CENTRAL AMERICA COLLECTIVE RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS BELMOPAN 000049
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR INL/PC (KATHLEEN PALA AND CHRISTINE CLINE),WHA/CEN (ROIS
BEAL)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR BH
SUBJECT: BELIZE RESPONSE TO UPDATE FOR DUBLIN GROUP MEETING
REF: State 03132
Response is keyed to reftel para two.
ONE: While Belize is not a major drug source, transit or consuming
country, it is part of the trans-shipment corridor to the United
States. The Government of Belize (GOB) supported narcotics
operations and investigations in 2007 and collaborated with the
United States, including on extradition of fugitives wanted in the
United States. Belize is party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
The Belize National Coast Guard (BNCG) continued patrolling the
Belizean coastline and cayes. The Belize National Forensic Science
Services (NFSS) laboratory capacity building and training program
continues.
TWO: In 2007, the BNCG conducted several counternarcotics
operations with USG assistance.
THREE: A mini-Dublin conference was held in Belize on September 20,
2007. Canada, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. appeared to be the
main contributors to counternarcotics programs in Belize with the
U.S. representing the majority of training and other funded
programs.
FOUR: The major narcotics threat in Belize is cocaine
trans-shipment through its territorial waters for onward shipment to
the U.S. The primary means for smuggling drugs are "go-fast" boats
transiting Belize's lengthy coastline and reef system, then
transshipment along navigable inland waterways to remote border
crossings. Interdiction is hampered by the lack of adequate host
nation resources, lax customs enforcement, and an apparent lack of
political will to aggressively confront the issue.
Given frequent changes in trafficking routes and lack of resources
for maritime and air assets, the potential remains for
trans-shipment of cocaine through Belize to increase. Local
marijuana cultivation necessitates continual monitoring and periodic
eradication. Though the GOB publicly advocates combating drug
trafficking and associated crime, it provides limited resources to
the effort. Where possible, USG assistance will continue to focus
on supporting the police counternarcotics unit, Belize National
Coast Guard, investigative, forensic and prosecutor units, and the
Financial Intelligence Unit. Belize would benefit from an
adequately resourced prosecutor's office, a more active Financial
Intelligence Unit, a more autonomous police counternarcotics unit,
and passage of effective wiretap legislation.
FIVE: U.S. Policy Initiatives and Bilateral Cooperation. The U.S.
strategy in Belize continues to focus on assisting the GOB in
developing a sustainable infrastructure to combat drug trafficking.
The USG provides support to: the Belizean Forensic Laboratory to
increase the justice system's successful investigations and
prosecution of crimes; a small drug reduction program for at-risk
school youth and support to prison drug rehabilitation; and maritime
security and law enforcement. The USG also assists with Coast Guard
training.
A number of training courses were provided in 2007 to improve
Belizean anti crime capacity. The USG provided maritime law
enforcement, search and rescue, engineering, and professional
development training to the BNCG. The USG continues to provide
technical assistance for developing and implementing an appropriate
legislative framework to provide the BNCG with clear authorities.
Additionally, the USG provided training to the Police Department in
interdiction, narcotics officer survival, parcel investigations,
anti-terrorism, anti-gang, asset seizure and other related topics.
DIETER
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR INL/PC (KATHLEEN PALA AND CHRISTINE CLINE),WHA/CEN (ROIS
BEAL)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR BH
SUBJECT: BELIZE RESPONSE TO UPDATE FOR DUBLIN GROUP MEETING
REF: State 03132
Response is keyed to reftel para two.
ONE: While Belize is not a major drug source, transit or consuming
country, it is part of the trans-shipment corridor to the United
States. The Government of Belize (GOB) supported narcotics
operations and investigations in 2007 and collaborated with the
United States, including on extradition of fugitives wanted in the
United States. Belize is party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention.
The Belize National Coast Guard (BNCG) continued patrolling the
Belizean coastline and cayes. The Belize National Forensic Science
Services (NFSS) laboratory capacity building and training program
continues.
TWO: In 2007, the BNCG conducted several counternarcotics
operations with USG assistance.
THREE: A mini-Dublin conference was held in Belize on September 20,
2007. Canada, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. appeared to be the
main contributors to counternarcotics programs in Belize with the
U.S. representing the majority of training and other funded
programs.
FOUR: The major narcotics threat in Belize is cocaine
trans-shipment through its territorial waters for onward shipment to
the U.S. The primary means for smuggling drugs are "go-fast" boats
transiting Belize's lengthy coastline and reef system, then
transshipment along navigable inland waterways to remote border
crossings. Interdiction is hampered by the lack of adequate host
nation resources, lax customs enforcement, and an apparent lack of
political will to aggressively confront the issue.
Given frequent changes in trafficking routes and lack of resources
for maritime and air assets, the potential remains for
trans-shipment of cocaine through Belize to increase. Local
marijuana cultivation necessitates continual monitoring and periodic
eradication. Though the GOB publicly advocates combating drug
trafficking and associated crime, it provides limited resources to
the effort. Where possible, USG assistance will continue to focus
on supporting the police counternarcotics unit, Belize National
Coast Guard, investigative, forensic and prosecutor units, and the
Financial Intelligence Unit. Belize would benefit from an
adequately resourced prosecutor's office, a more active Financial
Intelligence Unit, a more autonomous police counternarcotics unit,
and passage of effective wiretap legislation.
FIVE: U.S. Policy Initiatives and Bilateral Cooperation. The U.S.
strategy in Belize continues to focus on assisting the GOB in
developing a sustainable infrastructure to combat drug trafficking.
The USG provides support to: the Belizean Forensic Laboratory to
increase the justice system's successful investigations and
prosecution of crimes; a small drug reduction program for at-risk
school youth and support to prison drug rehabilitation; and maritime
security and law enforcement. The USG also assists with Coast Guard
training.
A number of training courses were provided in 2007 to improve
Belizean anti crime capacity. The USG provided maritime law
enforcement, search and rescue, engineering, and professional
development training to the BNCG. The USG continues to provide
technical assistance for developing and implementing an appropriate
legislative framework to provide the BNCG with clear authorities.
Additionally, the USG provided training to the Police Department in
interdiction, narcotics officer survival, parcel investigations,
anti-terrorism, anti-gang, asset seizure and other related topics.
DIETER