By Belize Live News Staff: Honduran authorities recently intercepted a large shipment of contraband cigarettes valued at approximately $800,000 BZD, with indications that the shipment originated from Belize. The unregistered sailboat, named Avante, was seized near Puerto Cortés by Honduran military police, who found 574 boxes and 43 loose packets of Chinese-made Modern-brand cigarettes onboard. The vessel’s sole occupant, Guatemalan national Milton Estuardo Guerra, was detained and charged with smuggling.
According to reports, the shipment may have come from Belize’s Big Creek Port. Investigations suggest that cigarettes from Asia are commonly trafficked through Belize’s free zones, particularly in Corozal and Benque, before being smuggled into neighboring countries. Such operations reportedly contribute significant cash flows, though there is no direct evidence implicating specific merchants or organizations in this particular incident.
Belize police are expected to review the case to better understand potential connections and prevent further illegal trade activity.
