By Aaron Humes: An encounter between a Belize City attorney and Customs officers has ignited a debate over the legality of ongoing checkpoint operations. The incident unfolded when a woman, who has not been named, reported that Customs officers had established a checkpoint in Sandhill without any police presence.
In a video clip posted to social media, attorney Tiffany Cadle and her mother contend that “There was an illegal checkpoint in Sandhill; no [police] officer was there. The individual stood up there with a light, I drove off. The next second, they are chasing me down, running me down for what reason? I’m in my country; you can’t stop me in my country! [Does that] look like any border point? No, you’re not doing that!” She went on to threaten to take the matter to court.
Customs officers reportedly pursued the vehicle from Sandhill to Belize City. The chase ended when police arrived at the final location, where they finally conducted the search – and found only black cake and rum popo.
Cadle argues that the officers did not have “reasonable suspicion” to initiate the stop, which she claims is a violation of her constitutional right to freedom of movement.
“The act makes it very clear, it is just like any other stop and search, you must have reasonable suspicion. Even if a police officer stops you, and the police ask you, where are you going? Why are you asking me that? Do you have suspicion that I have committed a criminal wrong. Have I committed any traffic offenses? Why are you asking me these questions? We have freedom of movement in this country, we have constitutional rights for freedom of movement,” Cadle said in an interview with Channel 5 News. “So are you telling me now my movement is restricted when I pull up to this checkpoint for you to ask me where I am coming or going? I pass a border point, a far border point in Corozal, you are in Sandhill. What reasonable suspicion can you [possibly] have in Sandhill and question me and examine my vehicle, what?”
The Customs and Excise Department in a belated statement informs that it is presently “engaged in a joint law enforcement operation comprised of members of the Belize Police Department, Belize Defence Force, Belize Coast Guard and Immigration Department with the intent to interdict all nature of illicit goods and combat all forms of transnational organized illicit activities within Belize.”
It reminds that per Section 91 of the Customs and Excise Regulations, a Customs officer can stop and examine a cart, wagon, or carriage, to prevent smuggling, if they have reasonable suspicion. The Department advises that its powers extend to Customs officers, police officers and those aiding or assisting them, and that it extends beyond ports of entry to any place in Belize whether on land or on water, including restricted and prohibited items.
The Department warns that any persons resisting their authority can be held liable, but Cadle intends to confront them, by letter and then in court if necessary.
The post Unexpected Customs checkpoint sparks controversy in Sandhill appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: An encounter between a Belize City attorney and Customs officers has ignited a debate over the legality of ongoing checkpoint operations. The incident unfolded when a woman, who has not been named, reported that Customs officers had established a checkpoint in Sandhill without any police presence. In a video clip posted to
The post Unexpected Customs checkpoint sparks controversy in Sandhill appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
