Belize free trade zone open door to smuggling

Customs of the Central American country confirmed many products enter illegally into Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Salvadoran police intelligence has identified blind spots in the country.

At seven vans that were parked last Monday along the dusty road that surrounds the rear of the stores located in the Corozal Free Zone in Belize have taken away the plates and seats for passengers . A Customs agent explained that Belize trucks have been modified to be filled with boxes containing smuggled goods such as cigarettes, liquor, clothing, toys and appliances that are sold in 300 stores built in the 2 linear kilometers comprising zone. The van, the official said, are loaded into the rear of the premises and are destined for Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. At home, police have discovered blind spots illegal entry of goods in Santa Ana, Ahuachapan and Chalatenango.

Last Monday looked abandoned vehicles. In general, the activity within the area was unusually low: most of the shops were closed. One had a sign with black letters that read “Closed Mondays”. A man with slanted eyes came out of another room, which is covered with advertising for cigarettes and liquor. He closed it hastily. Read Article