Police News
Caye Caulker Resident Charged with Unlicensed Firearm and Ammunition Possession
Twenty-five-year-old Herman Ciego has been charged with keeping a firearm without a gun license and keeping ammunition without a gun license. Ciego, from Belize City, was detained over the Easter weekend after police responded to a disturbance on Caye Caulker.
Police News
Caye Caulker Police Officers Involved in Chase and Shootout
Police officers in Caye Caulker came under fire over the Easter weekend after pursuing masked suspects on a LIFAN three-wheeled cargo vehicle. No one was injured in the exchange, and the suspects managed to escape in a nearby boat.
Police News
Court of Appeal Reduces Jose Mendoza’s Sentence in 2018 Manslaughter Case
Former island resident Jose Ricardo Mendoza has received a reduction in his sentence for the 2018 fatal stabbing of his father-in-law, Gaspar Vargas. In a ruling dated March 25th, the Court of Appeal reviewed and adjusted the sentence, now requiring Mendoza to serve six years, four months, and nine days, starting from December 21, 2023, when he was convicted and initially sentenced to 25 years for manslaughter in the High Court in Belize City.
Police News
Police seize over 38 pounds of cannabis in northern Ambergris Caye
San Pedro Police conducted a joint intelligence-led operation on Tuesday, March 24th, resulting in the discovery of a large quantity of cannabis in northern Ambergris Caye. Authorities found 29 plastic-wrapped rectangular bricks of suspected cannabis weighing a total of 38.36 pounds. No individuals were present at the scene, and the drugs were subsequently labeled, sealed, and deposited as found property.
Crime & Violence
Family claims wrong suspect charged in San Pedro triple murder
The family of 22-year-old San Pedro fisherman Shelby Jonathan Hernandez, who has been charged in connection with a triple murder on the island, is disputing the allegations, claiming police have arrested the wrong person. Hernandez has been charged with the fatal shooting of Karim Nazim Espat, 28, Oscar Modesto Mas, 35, and Honduran national Yerlin Marisol Bueso Alvarez, 21. He has since been arraigned and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until his next court hearing, scheduled for May 27, 2026.
Crime & Violence
Police increase presence and operations in San Pedro following triple murder
Following a triple murder on Thursday, March 19th, one mile south of downtown San Pedro, police presence on the island has increased with reinforcements from the mainland. The victims, Karim Espat, 29, Oscar Modesto Mas, 35, and 21-year-old Honduran national Yerlin Marisol Bueso Alvarez, were gunned down just before 10PM inside a residence. Police said on Friday, March 20th, that a possible motive is an ongoing rivalry related to drugs.
Police News
Police Say No Foul Play in Death of Canadian Found on Catamaran
Police have concluded that there was no foul play in the death of a Canadian man whose body was found aboard a drifting catamaran in Belizean waters on March 11th. The deceased has been identified as 72-year-old Thomas David Harman. According to police, Harman and his wife were sailing from Guatemala to the Cayman Islands when the incident occurred. Reports indicate that Harman climbed to the top of the mast to fix a sail, but fell and struck his head, leaving him unconscious.
Police News
Man Found Dead Aboard Drifting Catamaran Near Caye Caulker
Belizean authorities are investigating the sudden death of an older adult believed to be of Canadian nationality who was found inside a drifting catamaran approximately eight miles off the coast of Caye Caulker. According to reports, an older woman was also aboard the vessel and told authorities that the man died due to health complications. However, police said they found blood inside the catamaran, prompting a formal investigation.
Crime & Violence
No arrests made yet following Armed Robbery at Liquor Store on Coconut Drive
San Pedro Police are investigating a broad daylight robbery at a liquor store located on Coconut Drive on March 5th. Two men wearing ski masks and hooded jackets reportedly held employees at gunpoint and stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the cashier register and a safe. Before leaving the establishment, the suspects locked the staff inside an office. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Police News
Police Make Arrest in Caye Caulker Shooting
29-year-old Caye Caulker resident Jovaun Moody has been formally arrested and charged with keeping a firearm without a gun license, keeping ammunition without a gun license, and possession of controlled drugs following a shooting on the island. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stacy Smith said the charges stem from an investigation into a shooting that occurred around 8:45PM on February 12, 2026, in the Bahia area of Caye Caulker. During the incident, 22-year-old Dominic Castillo was injured. He was initially treated at the Caye Caulker Health Center before being transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City for further medical care.
Police News
Police Present National Report; Major Crimes Drop in San Pedro
The Belize Police Department reported a 1% reduction in major crimes nationally for 2025, according to figures presented at the National COMPSTAT Meeting held on January 22 at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. The report showed a decrease from 1,098 major crimes in 2024 to 1,086 in 2025. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, a 10% reduction in major crimes was recorded.