7 News Belize

Belizean Lawmen Locked Up Abroad
posted (April 8, 2019)
Locked up abroad: that's what happened to 2 off duty law enforcement officers and 2 civilians over the weekend in Livingston Guatemala. On Saturday, Police Constable Fabián Laurie, and a Coast Guard Officer Seaman Pedro Colomer along with two civilians Kevin Hernández and Jerille Laurie were arrested and charged with possession of firearms and ammunition without a license. Our information is that the men went fishing down south and then later went to Guatemala where they were caught in land. According to Guatemalan reports, they were drunk and disorderly at their hotel. They were found with a pistol and a shotgun with rounds for each weapon. Tonight, they remain in detention in the Puerto Barrios prison. Now what could have possibly come over these men to enter Guatemala with unlicensed non-service weapons especially during this tense and uncertain pre-referendum climate ? CEO in the Ministry of National Security Felix Enriquez says he doesn't have the answer to that question but says they are monitoring the situation closely. We spoke to him via phone this afternoon.

Felix Enriquez, CEO, Ministry of National Security
"None of them were on official duty. We also confirmed that none of the weapons that they are allegedly accused of possessing belong to our security forces."

"We don't know that none of that is true, it is alleged that they were found with these weapons."

"They were fishing as far as I understand it and then went across to Livingston afterwards in the middle of fishing."

"I would not want to speculate on what exactly happened because to be honest, I am not certain why they decided to go across there and took what they took with them when they went there as I would think the timing and what we are undergoing right now between us and Guatemala as a service person myself I would not venture across there now irregardless but that is what they did, I will not speculate as to why they did it and what they took with them. We could just assure that we will do whatever we can to ensure they are treated fairly and returned back as soon as possible."

"I have been updated that their case was to be heard this morning, however we have learned that they did not get the paper work they needed from Livingston where they were arrested and there is some delay there but our embassy in Guatemala along with the military attache who is at the embassy are monitoring very closely. They have spoken with the detainees. We can also confirm that the detainees have spoken with their families."

While the Guatemalan news report says they were drunk and rowdy, the men told the officials at the Embassy of Belize in Guatemala that they were not causing any trouble. We will keep following this story.

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