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U.S. Government Hosts Narcotics Investigation Training

Joint Press Release

U.S. Embassy Hosts Narcotics Investigation Training for High-Ranking Security Officials

Belmopan – Today the U.S. Embassy Belmopan concluded a one-week training on Tactical Safety and Planning to provide senior level officials with enhanced knowledge and skills to combat narcotrafficking. The one-week training was facilitated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and was funded by the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) through the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) program to support security readiness and effectiveness, as well as to combat regional security threats.

The course provided strategic guidance on drug enforcement operations and training on advanced law enforcement operational tactics. The course placed strong emphasis on core investigative skills and detailed planning to reduce the inherent risks of tactical operations. Participants included law enforcement personnel from the Anti-Narcotics Unit, Criminal Investigation Branch, Mobile Interdiction Team, Special Branch Unit, Belize Coast Guard, and Police Training Academy Instructors. U.S. Embassy Belmopan’s INL Coordinator Mary Walz spoke at the training closing ceremony.

“We stand proudly with Belize in its goal to combat and deter narco-trafficking, which is a top priority of U.S.-Belize security cooperation. Today’s training is one important component of our larger commitment to support the Government of Belize in its efforts to better detect and interdict transnational criminal activity in order to build a safer and more prosperous nation.”

Today’s narcotics investigation training is the latest to have been funded through the U.S. CARSI Program. The United States has contributed over US$ 43.7 million in CARSI funding to Belize since 2008, which has financed training, equipment, and the professional development of Belize’s law enforcement and judiciary to help strengthen citizen security and prevent transnational crime.

ENDS.