Belize's Cocaine Conundrum: Examining The Legal Status Of The Drug

Cocaine is not legal in Belize. In fact, the Belizean government has traditionally taken a zero-tolerance approach to the cultivation, sale, possession, and consumption of all recreational illicit substances. Offences relating to cocaine can be punishable by 2 years in prison, a BZD$75,000 (USD$36,600) fine, or both. Belize is also a major transshipment point for cocaine.

Cocaine possession in Belize

Cocaine is not legal in Belize. The Belizean government has traditionally taken a zero-tolerance approach to the cultivation, sale, possession, and consumption of all recreational illicit substances.

Belize is a major transshipment point for cocaine, and drug trafficking is a significant problem in the country. The country's security forces and coastal guards are under-equipped to deal with the issue, lacking basic radar systems to track unauthorised flights, helicopters, and the ability to intercept cellphone communications.

Belize's Misuse of Drugs Act of 1990 divides illicit drugs into three classes (A, B, and C) without providing a mechanism for reclassification. Cocaine is a Class B drug, and possession of any amount is illegal. Being found in possession of more than 1 gram of cocaine will result in being deemed complicit in drug trafficking.

Offences relating to cocaine can be punishable by 2 years in prison, a BZD$75,000 (USD$36,600) fine, or both. If arrested, individuals can expect to spend a few days in jail and pay a fine of several hundred US dollars.

Cocaine consumption in Belize

Belize has a relatively high crime rate, and many of the country's violent crimes are related to the drug trade. Marijuana, cocaine, and crack are all readily available in Belize, and tourists are regularly offered drugs. While marijuana has been decriminalised for personal use, cocaine remains illegal, and people are arrested and jailed for possession.

The prison system in Belize is under-equipped and overcrowded, and in 1996, 57.9% of the prison population were incarcerated due to some form of involvement with illicit drugs, while 35.6% were arrested for drug possession or trafficking.

The presence and influence of drug cartels have sharply impacted the amount of crime in Belize. Between 2000 and 2011, the intentional homicide rate more than doubled, and by 2012, Belize had the second-highest murder rate among Central American nations.

Belize receives funding and aid from the United States for anti-narcotic measures, but there is tension surrounding the anti-narcotic goals that the US envisions for the country. In 2011, Belize was added to the USA's "blacklist" of nations considered major producers or transit routes for illegal drugs. The country's counter-narcotics efforts are hampered by corruption, deficiencies in intelligence gathering and analysis, an antiquated judicial sector, and a lack of political will.

Cocaine trafficking in Belize

Cocaine trafficking is a significant issue in Belize, with the country serving as a key transit point for cocaine shipments from South America to the United States. Its geographical location, open borders, free trade agreements, and large areas of unpopulated land make it an ideal transshipment point for drug traffickers. Belize's limited law enforcement resources and inadequate coast guard capabilities further contribute to the country's struggle with cocaine trafficking.

Belize has a long history of drug trafficking, dating back to the marijuana boom in the 1960s when sugar cane growers turned to marijuana production to make ends meet. However, the country's role in the drug trade has evolved over time, and it is now a significant player in the cocaine pipeline from South America to the United States. Approximately 10 tons of cocaine, worth over half a billion dollars, pass through Belize each year.

The country's northern border with Mexico, western border with Guatemala, and access to the Gulf and several Caribbean countries make it a strategic location for drug traffickers. Additionally, the increasing violence and aggressive militarized policies in Mexico and Guatemala have pushed illegal drug activities into Belize. As a result, Belize has become a central hub for cocaine shipments from Honduras, Colombia, and Venezuela, which are transported through small aircraft and go-fast boats.

Despite its efforts to counter the drug trafficking threat, including adopting a hardline approach and receiving support from allies such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, Belize continues to face challenges in combating cocaine trafficking. The country lacks air defense and surveillance radar systems, making it difficult to track drug flights. Moreover, its coast guard relies heavily on the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) for financing and training.

The cocaine trade in Belize is largely controlled by foreign actors, with Mexican cartels hiring local Belizeans to smuggle drugs into Mexico and the United States. However, there have been reports of Belizean gangs fighting over the movement of cocaine, leading to drug-related homicides.

In recent years, authorities in Belize have made significant drug busts, seizing large quantities of cocaine. For example, in early September, police confiscated 1,210 parcels of cocaine from an aircraft that took off from Venezuela and landed near the village of La Democracia. Despite these efforts, the country continues to grapple with a surge in cocaine trafficking, reflecting the increasing cocaine production in Colombia and the rise in shipments through Central America.

Cocaine production in Belize

Belize's limited law enforcement and interdiction capabilities, lack of air defence and surveillance radar systems, and dependence on foreign assistance for its coast guard have made it challenging to effectively combat the drug trade. However, the country has made several recent drug busts, indicating that authorities are actively working to address the issue.

The surge in cocaine trafficking through Belize has contributed to increased violence and crime rates in the country. Belize's location, open borders, free trade agreements, and large unpopulated areas have made it an attractive route for drug smugglers.

The country's response to the drug problem has primarily been to adopt a militarised approach, seeking assistance from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to strengthen its military and police force. However, some critics argue that this approach may not be the most effective solution, and alternative strategies such as legalisation and investment in social programs have been suggested.

Cocaine penalties in Belize

Cocaine is illegal in Belize. The Belizean government has traditionally taken a zero-tolerance approach to the cultivation, sale, possession, and consumption of all recreational drugs.

Belize is a significant transit country for illegal drugs originating from South America, and the country's cocaine seizures have been increasing sharply. In 2018, authorities confiscated about a ton of cocaine from aircraft across the country, which was the first seizure on this scale in eight years.

Belize's anti-narcotics capabilities are lacking, with no air defence or surveillance radar systems to track drug flights. The country's coastguard is heavily dependent on the US Southern Command, which has financed 70% of its fleet and trained most of its officers.

Offences relating to cocaine can be punishable by 2 years in prison, a BZD$75,000 (USD$36,600) fine, or both. The Misuse of Drugs Act states that a person found in possession of more than 1 gram of cocaine will be deemed complicit in drug trafficking.

Frequently asked questions