Woman celebrating birthday busted with 107 grams of marijuana; boyfriend takes charge as gift

Published by [email protected] at January 6, 2025

Posted: Monday, January 6, 2025. 11:11 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Belama Phase 3 woman’s 33rd birthday celebration came to an abrupt end when police discovered 107 grams of marijuana at her residence, leading to charges for her and her boyfriend.

Elia Rebecca Lanza, a resident of #76 Marciana Fuentes Street, was celebrating her birthday Saturday night into Sunday when police executed a search warrant at her home. During the operation, officers found cannabis concealed in a coffee bottle. Lanza attempted to flee but was intercepted by Cpl. Guerra, who identified the drugs in her possession.

This morning, Lanza appeared in Belize City Magistrate Court alongside her boyfriend, Marthon Denham Hyde, 33, of Pete Street, Belama Phase 3. Hyde pleaded not guilty to the drug possession charge, while Lanza admitted guilt, stating, “I purchased the weed for my birthday party and forgot I had it in the coffee bottle.”

The court imposed a non-custodial sentence on Lanza, fining her $1,000 plus a $5 cost of court, which she must pay by March 25, 2025, or face 10 months of imprisonment. This marks Lanza’s second drug conviction.

Following Lanza’s guilty plea, the charge against Hyde was withdrawn. However, both had to clear outstanding court fines before being released. Hyde owed $60, while Lanza settled an undisclosed amount for a previous drug conviction by midday.

Police revealed that during the joint operation in Precincts 3 and 4 on January 5, Lanza and Hyde were found standing near the coffee bottle containing the cannabis. Both were initially charged with possession of controlled drugs but were allowed to leave court after Lanza accepted full responsibility.

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