BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) – Belize security forces say they have seized a plane as well as 551 kilograms of suspected cocaine during an operation over the last weekend.

They said that the multi-agency operations on April 10 in the Neuland area of the Corozal District resulted in the seizure of 551.39 kilograms of suspected cocaine, a Cessna aircraft, and the arrest of two Mexicans.

“Our security forces tracked the aircraft as it departed from South America, using live feeds from partner nations. A three-phase operation was initiated, with intelligence units conducting surveillance of known and clandestine landing sites. This was followed by specialised units from the various agencies deploying to targeted locations across the country.

“At approximately 6:14 pm on 10th April, the aircraft landed in the Neuland area. Our law enforcement team moved in and seized the aircraft and its contents, detaining the two Mexican nationals believed to be the pilots, along with two Belizean nationals found in the area,” the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise said in a statement.

The ministry said that it has not made all information public at this time, “as a parallel investigation has been launched to determine the major players involved in this foiled shipment, and in the ongoing transshipment of narcotics.

“Through strengthened law enforcement, enhanced local and regional cooperation, and comprehensive prevention strategies, we will continue to confront these threats head-on.”

The ministry said that the operation was coordinated by the Joint Intelligence Operations Centre (JIOC), along with specialised units of the Belize Police Department, Belize Defence Force, Belize Coast Guard, and the Customs Department.

“Its success reaffirms the government of Belize’s unwavering commitment to dismantling drug networks and organised crime,” the statement added.