Belize government denies being a major drug transit country

The government of Belize has reiterated its strong collaboration with U.S. authorities after being named alongside three other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations on a list of major drug transit or illicit drug-producing countries for the fiscal year 2025.

The list, released last week by U.S. President Joe Biden, includes The Bahamas, Belize, Haiti, and Jamaica. Prime Minister John Briceño acknowledged Belize’s inclusion but emphasized the country’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking. “We have been working very closely with the United States government. We work very closely with Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico to try to discourage the use of Belize as a transit point,” Briceño said. He also noted a sharp decrease in the number of drug-laden planes landing in Belize since his administration took office in October 2020.

The designation by the U.S. does not necessarily reflect a lack of cooperation. According to President Biden, a country’s presence on the list “is not a sanction or penalty” but rather a recognition of its role in the drug trade. He also clarified that it does not directly correlate to a country’s counterdrug efforts or cooperation with the U.S.