Sunday, October 12, 2025

Police News

Police investigate the deaths of three tourists on Ambergris Caye

Three American women were found dead in their hotel room in San Pedro Town on Saturday, February 22nd, just before noon. Police identified the women as Katoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26. All three were U.S. nationals born in Morocco. Preliminary investigations suggest no foul play, and a police report indicated that the physical appearance of froth around their mouths suggested the possibility of a drug overdose.

Missing San Pedro resident, Carlos Cassanova found dead in Orange Walk

The San Pedro hospitality industry is reeling from the news of Carlos Cassanova's death. The 40-year-old waiter had been missing since February 8th, and his lifeless body was found on Monday, February 17th, near Orange Walk Town in northern Belize. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Island Woman Remanded on Theft Charges Totaling $516,962.55

34-year-old Bethsa Ramirez was arraigned at the San Pedro Magistrate Court on Monday, February 17, on a charge of Theft. Ramirez is accused of embezzling over half a million dollars while employed by the development company El Diamante Ltd and Diamante Beachfront Suites. Due to the significant amount of missing funds, Ramirez has been denied bail and is remanded to the Kolbe Foundation at the Belize Central Prison until April 23, 2025.

Illegal ammunition recovered in northern Ambergris Caye

A total of 72 live rounds of ammunition were discovered in northern San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, on Tuesday, February 11th, during a joint operation conducted by a special operations team and various units on the island. The ammunition was found in an AK-47 magazine containing twelve 7.62mm live rounds, a red box holding twenty-three 5.56mm live rounds, and a 60-round magazine containing thirty-seven 5.56mm live rounds. At the time of the findings, no individuals were present in the area.

San Pedro fishermen come under fire out at sea

San Pedro Police are investigating an incident that took place on Tuesday, February 11th, when a pair of fishermen reported being targeted in open waters. The islanders informed the police that they were pursued and fired upon while fishing near the Tuffy Channel, south of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

Three men arrested and charged after a gun bust in northern Ambergris Caye

The San Pedro Police Formation arrested and charged three individuals who were found in possession of a 9mm pistol, an AR-15 rifle, and a black SG rifle, along with loaded magazines and additional ammunition. They face the following charges: one count of possession of a prohibited firearm, one count of possession of prohibited ammunition, two counts of possessing a firearm without a gun license, two counts of possessing ammunition without a gun license, and possession of a firearm with a removed serial number.

Caye Caulker resident charged for assaulting American partner

Leodan Lara, a resident of Caye Caulker, has been charged with Wounding following reports that he assaulted his disabled American partner, Emily Lydon. The incident reportedly took place on Monday, February 3rd, when Lara assaulted Lydon in Caye Caulker. After the incident, Lara was detained and subsequently charged with Wounding. On Wednesday, February 5th, he was taken to San Pedro Town for arraignment. Lara remains in custody at the San Pedro Police Station and was scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, February 6th.

San Pedro Police destroy large amounts of seized drugs

On Wednesday, February 5th, the San Pedro Police Department conducted the destruction of a significant quantity of drugs by incineration. The substances destroyed included marijuana, crack cocaine, cocaine, and hashish. The operation took place at a location south of San Pedro Town. The drugs had been stored for several months and were the result of concluded cases, as well as items classified as 'Found Property.'