By Belize Live News Staff: Enrique George Herbert, former George Street gang leader, returned to Belize on Saturday after spending over two decades in the United States following an unlawful extradition. Herbert’s arrival marks the end of a long legal battle that saw the Belize Supreme Court rule his initial handover to US authorities as an illegal kidnapping.
In 2004, Herbert was convicted in New York for conspiring to import 12 tons of cocaine into the United States. He received a sentence of 33 years and 4 months. However, his extradition to the US was later deemed unlawful by the Belize Supreme Court, which awarded his family damages and ordered the government to secure his return.
On Saturday, 21 years after his initial deportation, Herbert arrived in Belize and was promptly processed by the GI3 at the Queen Street police station. He will be subject to monitoring under the deportee program.
Herbert’s case has garnered significant attention due to the controversial circumstances surrounding his extradition. The Supreme Court ruling established a precedent regarding the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens from unlawful extraditions and highlighted the importance of upholding due process.
The Belize government has not released an official statement regarding Herbert’s return. However, the case is expected to spark further discussions about extradition procedures and the protection of citizens’ rights in the country.
