Posted: Wednesday, July 30, 2025. 10:31 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: The High Court of Belize has ordered the release of four police officers, who, among others, had been charged in connection with a high-profile drug plane incident in November 2010. The court ruled that the prolonged delay in bringing the case to trial constituted a violation of the officers’ constitutional rights.
The court’s decision means that former police officers Jacinto Roches and Renel Grant, sergeants Lawrence Humes and Nelson Middleton, Customs boatman Harold Usher, and civilian Victor Logan will no longer face any criminal charges after nearly 15 years on trial.
13 years ago, a team of police and others intercepted a plane on the Southern Highway carrying over two tonnes of cocaine. Six individuals were charged with the “abetment of the importation of cocaine,” with four of them being police officers. However, after 15 years of legal proceedings riddled with delays, the court determined that these men had not received a fair trial.
Justice Derrick Sylvestre, in a 61-page judgment, stated, “It is an unassailable fact that the Claimants’ right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time guaranteed under the Constitution of Belize has been breached,” noting particularly the absence of a completed trial. As a result, the judge declared that all further criminal proceedings against the accused officers, whose indictments were filed in 2016, are permanently stayed.
There has been no public comment thus far.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
Comments
The post High Court orders release of four police officers charged in landmark drug case appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, July 30, 2025. 10:31 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: The High Court of Belize has ordered the release of four police officers, who, among
The post High Court orders release of four police officers charged in landmark drug case appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
