VZCZCXRO0539
RR RUEHGR
DE RUEHBE #0049 0242234
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 242234Z JAN 08
FM AMEMBASSY BELMOPAN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1040
INFO RUEHZA/WHA CENTRAL AMERICA COLLECTIVE
RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS BELMOPAN 000049 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR INL/PC (KATHLEEN PALA AND CHRISTINE CLINE), WHA/CEN (ROIS 
BEAL) 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: SNAR BH
SUBJECT:  BELIZE RESPONSE TO UPDATE FOR DUBLIN GROUP MEETING 
 
REF:  State 03132 
 
Response is keyed to reftel para two. 
 
ONE: While Belize is not a major drug source, transit or consuming 
country, it is part of the trans-shipment corridor to the United 
States.  The Government of Belize (GOB) supported narcotics 
operations and investigations in 2007 and collaborated with the 
United States, including on extradition of fugitives wanted in the 
United States.  Belize is party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention. 
 
The Belize National Coast Guard (BNCG) continued patrolling the 
Belizean coastline and cayes.  The Belize National Forensic Science 
Services (NFSS) laboratory capacity building and training program 
continues. 
 
TWO:  In 2007, the BNCG conducted several counternarcotics 
operations with USG assistance. 
 
THREE:  A mini-Dublin conference was held in Belize on September 20, 
¶2007.  Canada, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. appeared to be the 
main contributors to counternarcotics programs in Belize with the 
U.S. representing the majority of training and other funded 
programs. 
 
FOUR:  The major narcotics threat in Belize is cocaine 
trans-shipment through its territorial waters for onward shipment to 
the U.S.  The primary means for smuggling drugs are "go-fast" boats 
transiting Belize's lengthy coastline and reef system, then 
transshipment along navigable inland waterways to remote border 
crossings.  Interdiction is hampered by the lack of adequate host 
nation resources, lax customs enforcement, and an apparent lack of 
political will to aggressively confront the issue. 
 
Given frequent changes in trafficking routes and lack of resources 
for maritime and air assets, the potential remains for 
trans-shipment of cocaine through Belize to increase.  Local 
marijuana cultivation necessitates continual monitoring and periodic 
eradication. Though the GOB publicly advocates combating drug 
trafficking and associated crime, it provides limited resources to 
the effort.  Where possible, USG assistance will continue to focus 
on supporting the police counternarcotics unit, Belize National 
Coast Guard, investigative, forensic and prosecutor units, and the 
Financial Intelligence Unit.  Belize would benefit from an 
adequately resourced prosecutor's office, a more active Financial 
Intelligence Unit, a more autonomous police counternarcotics unit, 
and passage of effective wiretap legislation. 
 
FIVE:  U.S. Policy Initiatives and Bilateral Cooperation. The U.S. 
strategy in Belize continues to focus on assisting the GOB in 
developing a sustainable infrastructure to combat drug trafficking. 
The USG provides support to: the Belizean Forensic Laboratory to 
increase the justice system's successful investigations and 
prosecution of crimes; a small drug reduction program for at-risk 
school youth and support to prison drug rehabilitation; and maritime 
security and law enforcement.  The USG also assists with Coast Guard 
training. 
 
A number of training courses were provided in 2007 to improve 
Belizean anti crime capacity.  The USG provided maritime law 
enforcement, search and rescue, engineering, and professional 
development training to the BNCG. The USG continues to provide 
technical assistance for developing and implementing an appropriate 
legislative framework to provide the BNCG with clear authorities. 
Additionally, the USG provided training to the Police Department in 
interdiction, narcotics officer survival, parcel investigations, 
anti-terrorism, anti-gang, asset seizure and other related topics. 
 
DIETER