By Belize Live News Staff: An American journalist’s trip to Belize took an unexpected turn when he was charged with drug importation. Roderick Boone, a 49-year-old from North Carolina, was found with 22 grams of cannabis upon arrival in the country.
Boone appeared in Magistrate’s Court on Friday and pleaded guilty to the charge. He explained that he used marijuana for pain relief in his left arm. Despite his reason, the court fined him $2,000, giving him until next week Wednesday to pay or face a year in jail.
Boone assured the court he would pay the fine, as he had recently purchased land in Hopkins and was planning to relocate to Belize. He was traveling with his wife, and they left for Hopkins Village after the court hearing.
This incident serves as a reminder that even small amounts of cannabis can lead to legal trouble in Belize, even for visitors.
