VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBE #0655 3102152
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 062152Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY BELMOPAN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0902

UNCLAS BELMOPAN 000655 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR DS/IP/WHA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/DSS/OSAC, CA/OCS, WHA/CEN - ROIS 
BEAL 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC AMGT BH
SUBJECT: STRONG MS-13 PRESENCE IN WESTERN BELIZE 
 
REF: (A) BELMOPAN 643; (B) BELMOPAN 609; (C) 05 BELIZE 657; 
(D) 06 BELIZE 579; (E) BELMOPAN 118 
 
¶1. (SBU) Recent reports from Belize of the Mara Salvatrucha gang 
(MS-13) presence in Belize (REFTELS A, B) indicated a stronger base 
of operations than previously known.  Reports from a Confidential 
Source (CS) (REFTEL A) led RSO to independently determine MS-13 
strength in the Cayo District of western Belize.  Interviews and 
observation show not only MS-13 but MS-18 are widespread in that 
area, with an estimated 400 actual gang members (not just 
hangers-on). 
 
¶2. (SBU) The description of a CS of an MS-13 presence strong enough 
to cause emulation by school children by drawing MS-13 "tattoos" 
caused concern.  On October 30, 2007, RSO and FSNI traveled to the 
Cayo District.  Meeting with a high school vice principal, RSO 
received confirmation of the CS reports.  MS-18, an offshoot of 
MS-13 had graffiti at the school.  Tattooed gang members were seen 
frequently in the area, and the violence was well known.  The vice 
principal recommended speaking with a specific teacher who, she 
said, was more familiar with the problem. 
 
¶3. (SBU) The teacher, a former police officer, joined the meeting, 
and described a grave situation.  He and the vice principal related 
the story of a student recently killed by an MS-13 gang member: he 
had been hit over the head with a bottle, went home and died that 
night.  The gang member - who had the gang sign tattooed on his 
forehead -- was identified to police.  Police took no action.  After 
some time, the incident was further reported to an Assistant 
Commissioner, who promised to look into it.  The teacher and 
principal report there has still been no response by police. 
 
¶4. (SBU) The teacher estimated 400 hard-core gang members in the 
western part of Cayo.  He described graffiti immediately outside his 
residence and at the central park (RSO confirmed this).  With an 
estimated population of 40,000 in the entire district, such a number 
of MS-13 and MS-18 operating without police interference is cause 
for concern. 
 
¶5. (SBU) On 20 October, 2007, the GSO and POL Officers were in San 
Ignacio, the capital of Cayo.  While at the market, they observed 
two Hispanic males going from booth to booth.  They describe the two 
simply receiving money from each booth operator: no conversation, no 
papers or merchandise, simply money being given by each vendor. 
While this may be perfectly innocent, the appearance of extortion 
cannot be discounted, especially in light of the news related to the 
MS gangs. 
 
¶6. (SBU) The inability of police in Belize to control the existing 
high crime level is already a problem. Very low funding allows 
almost no training, little equipment, almost no vehicles, etc.  When 
tracking U.S. fugitives, cars must often be rented for the police to 
use; occasionally when a police vehicle is available, RSO must 
provide fuel.  RSO feared the level of violence and organization of 
MS-13 would be beyond the ability of the police department to 
handle.  Several recent press stories have focused on arrests and 
deportations of MS-13 members or sympathizers.  Whether these 
efforts will be enough to slow or stop the gangs' growth in Belize 
is not clear. 
 
¶7. (U) POC for this cable is RSO Patrick Harms at 011-501-822-4011, 
ext. 4007. 
 
DIETER