By Breaking Belize News Staff: Three men have pleaded guilty to firearm, ammunition and drug offences following a major police operation in San Pedro Town, while two additional suspects have been charged in a separate drug investigation in San Ignacio.
During Friday’s police press briefing, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stacy Smith confirmed that the San Pedro arrests followed the execution of search warrants at a residence in the San Pedrito area on Wednesday, November 4.
The operation, conducted by the Anti-Narcotics Unit and K9 Unit with assistance from police dog Axel, resulted in the discovery of two 9mm pistols, 43 rounds of ammunition, 259 grams of suspected cocaine and 332 grams of cannabis.
Police identified the firearms as a chrome-and-black Taurus 9mm pistol and a black Stoeger STR-9SC 9mm pistol.
Although Smith initially reported that ten individuals had been jointly charged, police subsequently circulated photographs and identifying information for eleven individuals connected to the operation.
Those identified are Ericka Marisol Hernandez, 53; Daniel Anthony Lagos, 27; Carlos David Hernandez, 18; Vincent Shanir Lopez, 23; Zahiel Rasheen Caliz, 19; Jamil Justin Reyes, 23; Cesar Eduardo Hernandez Sr., 57; Cesar Eduardo Hernandez, 35; Akeem Joyoun Locke, 24; John Hernandez, 26; and Delmi Judith Pena, 34.
Police subsequently provided an update confirming that three of the accused had entered guilty pleas.
Akeem Locke pleaded guilty to keeping the Taurus 9mm pistol, while Vincent Lopez pleaded guilty to offences involving 43 rounds of ammunition and 259 grams of cocaine.
Daniel Lagos also pleaded guilty to offences involving 332 grams of cannabis and the Stoeger STR-9SC 9mm pistol.
Details of their sentences have not yet been provided.
The arrests followed a major operation previously reported by Breaking Belize News, during which police discovered firearms, ammunition and drugs concealed at a residence in the San Pedrito area of San Pedro Town.
Meanwhile, in a separate investigation, police confirmed that 50-year-old Shanne Gardiner and 56-year-old Kirk Morgan of San Ignacio were arrested and charged with possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.
Their arrests followed a search conducted by the Special Tactics Response Team at a residence on Savannah Street on Monday, November 2, which reportedly uncovered 7.3 grams of crack cocaine.
However, both accused have denied wrongdoing and publicly alleged that police planted the drugs at their residence following repeated harassment.
During Friday’s briefing, Smith rejected any suggestion that officers could justify planting evidence because of frustration over suspected criminal activity.
Smith emphasized that police officers are expected to perform their duties honestly and lawfully, adding that anyone alleging misconduct should report it to the Professional Standards Branch.
She also encouraged the accused to present any evidence supporting their allegations before the court.
The allegations of evidence planting have not been independently established.
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By Breaking Belize News Staff: Three men have pleaded guilty to firearm, ammunition and drug offences following a major police operation in San Pedro Town, while two additional suspects have been charged in a separate drug investigation in San Ignacio. During Friday’s police press briefing, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stacy Smith confirmed that the
The post Three plead guilty following major San Pedro gun and drug bust; police confirm additional arrests in San Ignacio appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
