Stacy Smith

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“It was reported that two male persons, one of whom was armed with a firearm went to that establishment and with the use of threat demand that the attendant handed over the proceeds of the days sale. Being in fear, the attendant complied and the male persons made good their escape. This matter was reported to police and police’s response, including dispatching an investigative team at the scene of the incident with a view of reviewing the available footage. And it also included mobilizing a joint operational team, which was done with a view to cardoning the area and creating a drag net. Based on the investigation and the use of drone, the police officers were able some one hour after the incident to apprehend these two male persons, Villanueva and Rancheran. And in Mr. Rancheran’s position. Police found a point 38 revolver, which also contained six live rounds of point-thirty-eight caliber ammunition. Whilst Mr. Villanueva was found in possession of items, believed to be the proceeds of the robbery.”

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The post Drone Assist Leads to Swift Corozal Robbery Arrests   first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                          Stacy Smith

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“Following a joint intelligence led anti-drug operation that was conducted on Girasol Street in Las Flores area of Belmopan City on eighteenth February, 2026 at approximately 2:40 PM police. Formerly arrested and charged, jointly charged Kenny Sosa, twenty-three-years-old Deandre Lara, twenty-year-old Paulino Ortiz, thirty-five-years-old, and Milto Ortiz also twenty-five-years-old for two counts of possession of control drugs with intent to supply. The arrest of these individual follows the discovery of one-point-four-zero grams of suspected cocaine, as well as 1one hundred and twenty grams of cannabis, which was found in the open air in opening the immediate vicinity of these four male persons who were congregating in a yard on Garol Street. Milton Orti was additionally charged with possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply after a search of a bag that belonged to him. Resulted in the discovery of two plastic bags containing suspected cocaine, which when weighed total 37.5 grams.”

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

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The post Four Charged After Las Flores Drug Bust first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

ASP Stacy Smith told reporters the incident occurred at around 2:27 p.m., when two men, one armed, entered the gas station and “with the use of threat demanded that the attendant handed over the proceeds of the day’s sale.” The attendant complied, and the suspects fled the scene.

Authorities quickly launched an investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and deploying a joint operational team and drones to track the suspects. About an hour later, police apprehended Rancharan and Villanueva.

Smith said a “.38 revolver with six live rounds” was found in Rancharan’s possession, while Villanueva had items believed to be the stolen cash. “It must be noted also that the firearm that was recovered is believed to be that which was stolen from a security guard in a robbery which occurred in December of 2025,” Smith added.

Rancharan was additionally charged with keeping a firearm without a license, possessing ammunition without a license, and possessing a firearm with the serial number removed. 

ASP Smith also pointed to the growing role of technology in police operations. “The use of an eye in the sky provides more coverage than a fleet of persons on the ground can,” she said, adding that drones are being used both to respond to and prevent crime.

The post Two Arrested in Corozal Gas Station Robbery first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

The post Armed Duo Targets Guard in Overnight Ambush first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

The post Early Morning Robbery on Freetown Road first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Twenty-year-old Leon Nelson Coleman, 21-year-old Joseph Jowel Gentle, and 20-year-old Randolf Delton Hyde, all from San Ignacio, face charges of robbery, with additional charges expected related to Waight’s injuries.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith outlined the details of the attack, stating, “Mr Waight was walking on Burns Avenue when he was approached by three individuals who assaulted him and stole from him some food, a small amount of money, and a cell phone.”

Waight suffered severe injuries, including bleeding to the brain, and required hospitalisation at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

The December 15 incident occurred in the same vicinity where two tourists had been robbed just a week earlier.

The post Three Men Arrested in Assault, Robbery of Elderly Man first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                 Voice of: Fiona Jones

Voice of: Fiona Jones, Sister of Deceased

“My brother has sole custody of his girls and he was an exemplary dad. He would take off his last shirt for them. He was very proud of them and he worked tirelessly to make sure they have everything they need.”

Fifty‑five‑year‑old Mark Gabourel, a father of two and a delivery driver for Caribbean Chicken, was shot and killed on Wednesday afternoon after finishing his final delivery for the day. Around four p.m., as he pulled out of the Sunny Side Grocery parking lot with a co‑worker, two men on a motorcycle blocked the truck. The passenger opened fire, fatally wounding Gabourel. The gunmen tried, but failed, to open the truck door before speeding away. Blurry surveillance images show the suspects, and police believe they may be linked to a motorcycle robbery gang operating in the area.

                     Mark Gabourel

Voice of: Fiona Jones

“This happened to him sometime last year, he did get held up somewhere in Tiger Town, but fortunately nothing happened at the time. They robbed like six hundred dollars from him and every single day I would tell Mark, quit that job, get a different job, go to a call center or whatever, it is easier. But he was really passionate about that job, he loved it.”

Everything points to robbery as the motive. Gabourel began working with the company three years ago. His manager, Jose Navarro, describes him as an exceptional employee, someone who would go above and beyond for the customer.

                        Jose Navarro

Jose Navarro, Manager, Caribbean Chicken

“He was like a right hand to me. He would come in and load the trucks early in the morning and load his truck. Like he come in the morning lively and happy that is the way Mr. Mark would end day.”

            Two Sarita delivery drivers

The killing has drawn immediate comparisons to the murders of two Sarita delivery drivers three weeks ago on the Hummingbird Highway, again putting a spotlight on the risks faced by delivery truck drivers.

Jose Navarro

“Me personally bring it out to the employees, if something like this happens just give what you have and don’t care about cash or truck. Your life is more important and that is something we communicate very often. We have meetings every Monday and we see what is happening around. And you don’t expect it would touch you so close.”

Paul Lopez

“Based on your time here is this the first time something like this happened?”

Jose Navarro

“No, Mr. Mark was robbed about mid last year sometime and well at the time they just took the cash and drive off. This time they didn’t ask for cash. They just came in and shoot.”

Paul Lopez

“Is there any level of regret from your side or the company about not enforcing extra security following the first incident with him?”

Jose Navarro

“I would not say regrets. Things I took into my own hands was that after that incident happened in Sarita I travelled up with him up the road. He told me boss I am glad you are here. I have my weapon with me and we travel up the road.”

What’s especially alarming is where the attack unfolded, on a busy street in the heart of Belmopan. Attorney Arthur Saldivar, a close friend of the victim, says the capital’s reputation as a peaceful city has been lost.

                   Arthur Saldivar

Arthur Saldivar, Friend of Deceased

“What is really taking place, what is causing these brazen and emboldened  criminals to operate the way they are? One could say that it is the lack of law enforcement presence, one could also say that it is because of the double standard that is taking place where law enforcement is concerned and crimes are being committed, the criminal elements say well if law enforcement people can be involved in these things, then so can they.”

Gabourel’s sister also expressed her pain, saying the city her family calls home no longer feels safe.

Voice of: Fiona Jones

“I think we never understand how deep it is until it home. You hear about all these things all the time. Sometimes my son and I take walks with our dogs at eleven o’clock in the night and we say Belmopan is so safe. So, I am realizing it is not safe after all.”

As loved ones mourn and questions mount about the state of public safety, Gabourel’s death is a sobering reminder that even routine work can turn deadly amid rising crime. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez .

The post Father of Two Gunned Down in Belmopan Robbery Attempt first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                             Stacy Smith

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“Mr. Gabourel was doing delivery at that establishment. And upon leaving that premise, a motorcycle which was transporting two persons collided into the truck of Mr. Gabourel, and thereafter, the passenger that was on board that motorcycle fired three shots, one of which struck Mr. Gabourel causing his untimely demise. So far in this investigation, police have made some progress. There are persons in detention, and as more information is gathered that will be shared with the public. The individuals who were on the cycle, they were helmet and they were covered with long sleeve clothing when this incident occurred.”

                    Mark Gabourel

Reporter

“Have investigators been able to make any sort of linkage or connection to that Sarita truck robbery?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“I have not received any indication so far. However, given that the modus of operandi in this incident resembles another incident. In terms of the transportation use, the investigators have looked at different incidents in relation to the progress that have been made into, in this one.”

The post Surveillance Footage Under Review in Fatal Belmopan Robbery first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                            Stacy Smith

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“Police are investigating the burglary of Pletz Electronic Store, which occurred sometime around two o’ clock a.m. on Saturday, third January, 2025. What the investigators have uncovered is that at the aforementioned date and time, three persons entered that establishment which is located on Queen Victoria Avenue in Orange Walk Town and stole several electronic items as well as some cash before making good their escape. The investigators have some footages in their possession and this had led them to the detention of an individual. However, the investigation is still ongoing.”

The post Bold Burglary at Plett’s Electronics; 16 Phones Stolen first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

According to the company, no large amount of money was stolen, but approximately 16 phones were taken. The alarm was triggered during the incident, and police responded within four minutes. However, authorities say the culprit had already fled the scene within the first two minutes.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a small hole broken through the cement wall, believed to be the entry point.

A reward is now being offered by Plett’s Electronics for information that leads to the return of the stolen phones.

The post Reward Offered After 16 Phones Stolen from Plett’s Electronics first appeared on Greater Belize Media.