By Aaron Humes: The Forest Department informs the public about significant law enforcement efforts and recent court outcomes related to the unlawful possession and transportation of forest produce, in violation of the Forest Act, Chapter 213 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020.
On January 9, 2026, during a patrol in the Shipyard Area, Forest Department officers, alongside rangers from Programme for Belize (PfB) and the Belize Defence Force (BDF), discovered five individuals in possession of 31 mahogany logs. The individuals failed to present a valid forest permit for the harvest or possession of the logs. They were subsequently arrested and charged with unlawful possession of forest produce. In court, the accused pleaded not guilty, and the case has been adjourned. The confiscated logs remain under the custody of the Forest Department as the legal process continues.
On January 11, 2026, at around 4:30 a.m., officers from the Caye Caulker Police Formation searched a 25-foot vessel named “SURVEYOR.” The search revealed that the vessel was transporting 25 palm logs, each approximately sixteen feet in length, with the individuals onboard unable to provide a valid forest permit or a seaworthy certificate for the vessel. Following the incident, Johan Penner, one of the individuals, pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful possession of forest produce and has been fined $7,500, payable by December 1, 2027. Failure to pay will result in a one-year imprisonment. Additional charges from the Belize Port Authority are also forthcoming. The confiscated logs are set to be secured by the Forest Department.
In a separate case, Ministry of Home Affairs Special Advisor Aaron Guzman is under scrutiny following the discovery of illegal lumber operations on his Silk Grass farm. Forest Officers found not only illegally cut trees but also a sawmill setup. Witnesses reported a confrontation involving one of Guzman’s sons. Guzman has admitted to Channel 7 News that his sons cut down approximately 15 trees without the necessary permits, acknowledging the violation but expressing the intention to rectify the situation soon. The Forestry Department plans to take custody of the unlawfully cut wood as part of its enforcement measures. Guzman clarified that the lumber was intended for farm structures on his privately owned land of 225 acres.
The Forest Department extends its gratitude to Programme for Belize, the Belize Defence Force, and the Caye Caulker Police Formation for their continuous collaboration in upholding forest laws and protecting national resources. The public is reminded of the legal repercussions of harvesting, transporting, or possessing forest products without necessary permits. To report any infractions, contact the Forest Department Hotline at 610-1524. The continued vigilance and collaboration in enforcing forest laws are crucial for preserving Belize’s natural resources for future generations.
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By Aaron Humes: The Forest Department informs the public about significant law enforcement efforts and recent court outcomes related to the unlawful possession and transportation of forest produce, in violation of the Forest Act, Chapter 213 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020. On January 9, 2026, during a patrol in the Shipyard
The post Forest Department details three active prosecutions for unlawful possession of forest produce appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
