The cops are reporting tonight that they've made a significant bust of oxycodone, a highly addictive painkiller that has caused many deaths by overdose in the US. It's in the category of drugs known as an opioid, and in Belize, it is listed on the schedule of controlled drugs that is illegal - unless you have a prescription.
On Tuesday, cops from Spanish Lookout busted 3 people who they believe were attempting to smuggle 8.4k kilos of the drug in a tablet form stuffed inside a knapsack.
Today, the Head of the National Criminal Investigations Branch gave the press a briefing on the seizure and arrests:
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head - NCIB
"Whilst Spanish Lookout police was on patrol on Riverside Street, Spanish Lookout Village, Cayo District, they came across a taxi with 3 occupants and upon conducting searches within the taxi, nothing illegal was found. However, a search of the immediate area resulted in the discovery of a knapsack which contained a substantial amount of tablets which were seized and taken to the lab where tested resulted to be Oxycodon. Police have since arrested and charge 3 persons for the possession with intent to supply of the Oxycodon amounting to 8,461 grams. And the person arrested are Sophia Sorto, 25 year old Honduran national, Justin Torralla and Ricardo Chanek. Both residents of Benque Viejo. This investigation is still ongoing. These persons were charged and appeared before the court today where they were remanded into custody."
"Also San Pedro police had a similar discovery of tablets on Friday 6th July which was found at a warehouse in San Pedro. Those tablets amounted to 896 grams for which there is an ongoing investigation. Those are in the process of also of being tested today."
Reporter
"Do you investigators suspect that there may be some nexus?"
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head - NCIB
"We are looking at that possibility at this point in time."
Reporter
"Any indication where it originated from? Is there a supplier who brings that into country?"
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head - NCIB
"Not that we know of, but we are following on several leads towards this investigation."
As you heard, Sophia Sorto, Justin Toralla, and Ricardo Chanek have all been arraigned and remanded to the Belize Central Prison on charges of drug trafficking, or possession of a controlled drug with the intent to supply, as it is now worded in the Misuse of Drugs Act.
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