Community and Society
San Pedro Police Launch Crime Suppression Squad
The San Pedro Police Sub-Formation has launched a new motorcycle team, dubbed the Crime Suppression Squad (CSS), to strengthen policing efforts on the island. Announced this week, the CSS will operate primarily in the San Pedrito and DFC areas of San Pedro and work alongside the existing operations team to target criminal activity. The unit’s formation marks an expansion of local law enforcement efforts aimed at addressing gang activity, drug trafficking, and other crimes.
Community and Society
Division 4 Holds Meet-and-Greet Sessions in San Pedro and Caye Caulker
On Wednesday, August 19th, Division 4 police held simultaneous Meet-and-Greet sessions in San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker, engaging with residents to strengthen community relations and address local concerns.
Crime & Violence
Investigations continue in San Pedrito Shooting
Police have questioned and released two persons who were initially detained in connection with the early-morning shooting of a fisherman in the San Pedrito area of San Pedro Town. No one has been charged as yet, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Community and Society
Community Oriented Policing Office Harris Gabourel Promoted to Corporal of Police
San Pedro Police Constable (PC) Harris Gabourel, who has served for several years in the Community Oriented Policing Office, has been promoted to the rank of Corporal of Police. His promotion also places him in charge of the unit, where he will continue to champion community policing initiatives, foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the public, and work collaboratively with island residents. He also works closely with the business community, schools, and organizations to promote public safety and enhance the quality of life in San Pedro.
Police News
Two Plead Not Guilty in $160,000 Alfaro’s Robbery Case
Christian Ramos and Trevor Lopez were indicted on a single count of robbery at the High Court in Belize City on July 29th in connection with the 2025 daylight robbery at Alfaro's Construction and Design Company in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Ramos and Lopez, who reportedly remain out on bail, pleaded not guilty to the charge and are scheduled to return to court on October 2, 2026, for a case management conference.
Police News
High Court schedules appeal hearing for former island teacher Alex Noralez
On September 25, 2026, the High Court in Belize City will hear the appeal of former San Pedro teacher Alex Noralez, who was convicted on two counts of sexual assault involving high school students. Noralez is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence at the Kolbe Foundation-Belize Central Prison.
Community and Society
San Pedro Police Introduce New Deputy Commander of Operations
During its weekly meet-and-greet initiative on Tuesday, July 22nd, the San Pedro Police Formation formally introduced its newly appointed Deputy Commander of Operations, Inspector Morris Castillo, during a community visit to the San Mateo subdivision. Members of the island's Community Policing Unit told The San Pedro Sun that Inspector Castillo was warmly received and said the initiative continues to strengthen the relationship between residents and the Belize Police Department.
Crime & Violence
Juan Novelo Acquitted in Death of Common-Law Wife
On Monday, July 20th, Juan Carlos Novelo was acquitted of the 2023 murder of his common-law wife, Leslie Verde. Verde, a resident of Caye Caulker, was found dead inside her home on November 4, 2023, with injuries that investigators believed were consistent with strangulation. While the court found Novelo not guilty, Verde's family said they do not agree with the verdict and continue to believe he was responsible for her death.
Crime & Violence
Police Investigate Shooting Involving Off-Duty Officer
Police have launched both criminal and internal investigations following a shooting involving an off-duty police officer that left San Pedrito resident Maverick Fuentes with a gunshot wound to his left leg. According to police, the officer intervened while attempting to de-escalate an alleged domestic dispute between Fuentes and his common-law wife, Delia Martinez.
Crime & Violence
Former Caye Caulker Police Officers ordered to serve new prison terms in the Sotz case
Former Caye Caulker police officers Hallet King and Leonard Nuñez have been ordered to return to prison after the Belize Court of Appeal increased their sentences to 10 years and two months for the 2015 manslaughter of Hilberto Sotz. The decision follows a January ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which reinstated the Director of Public Prosecutions' appeal against what it found to be an inadequate sentence.
Police News
Professional Standards Branch Brings Independent Police Oversight to San Pedro
The Belize Police Service's Professional Standards Branch (formerly Internal Affairs) has officially established a presence in San Pedro, with Officer in Charge Corporal Jose Hernandez confirming that the unit is now operational. The branch will handle complaints from residents of both San Pedro and neighboring Caye Caulker. Arrangements are currently underway to establish a permanent office outside of the San Pedro Police Station.