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Belize’s borders are all closed as part of the national effort to minimise the exposure of citizens to the coronavirus. But, that didn’t stop a vessel with 2 Guatemalans and a Belizean National from trying to enter the country illegally through the Sarstoon River today.

We are reliably informed that the Belize Coast Guard was contacted this afternoon by BDF soldiers who are stationed the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base. Those soldiers reported that an unknown vessel was heading in the direction of the Coast Guard’s Barranco patrol. The BDF intercepted the vessel and escorted it and those on board to the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard then detained all 3 men, escorted them to Punta Gorda, and handed them over to the Ministry of Health and the Immigration Department in that Toledo town. Those authorities are looking at the offences that all 3 committed, which will include illegal entry.

We understand that the Belizean will be placed in a 14-day quarantine period. As for the 2 Guatemalans, they are in the custody of the Immigration Department, which will decide on the next course of action. The Coast Guard currently has custody of the vessel, and it will remain with them until a decision is made about the fate of these Guatemalans.