BELIZE CENTRAL PRISON—A predawn raid conducted at the Belize Central Prison by members of the GSU, the Special Patrol Unit, Quick Response Team and elements of the Belmopan police resulted in the discovery and confiscation of 6 contraband cellphones, makeshift weapons (hewn within the prison), called bora or shanks, money and drugs. The raid was conducted in the “Super Max” section of the prison between 2:00 and 5:00 Friday morning.

 Officials believe that the seizure of the phones is a blow to the gangs, since it will disrupt the planning of crime by gang members inside the prison, and the sending of orders to their gunmen outside for planned executions and the intimidation of witnesses in upcoming criminal cases, which is now a very serious impediment to bringing the criminals to justice.

The Chief Executive Officer at the prison, Earl Jones, told Amandala that the raid in the prison was conducted simultaneously with other raids being conducted in Belize City. The officers at the prison welcome such actions from police, since it helps to clear the prison of illegal items.

No one was arrested for the illegal phones, said CEO Jones.