Corazon Artulio Cortez guilty in absentia for drug trafficking

By Aaron Humes: A San Pedro Town resident convicted of drug trafficking and apparently skipping bail is being sought by authorities.

31-year-old Corazon Artulio Cortez was busted in July of 2017 with 338 grams of marijuana, about three-quarters of a pound, while visiting Belize City. Police on mobile patrol on Cemetery Road stopped him and found the drugs in a carton box hidden in a black plastic bag he was holding.

Bail was set at $1,000 but Cortez never showed up for his case and Magistrate Emmerson Banner held the trial ex parte earlier this week.

After two witnesses were called, the Magistrate wasted no time finding Cortez guilty and handing down the mandatory fine of $10,000 and jail sentence of 3 years, with another three tacked on if the fine is not paid. A bench warrant for Cortez’ arrest has been issued.///

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