Belize City pastor and six fishermen remanded to prison over cocaine bust

Published by [email protected] at March 19, 2025

Posted: Wednesday, March 19, 2025. 9:46 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Belize City pastor and six fishermen from the north were arraigned on Wednesday in connection with a major drug bust in the Orange Walk District.

Pastor Mark Anthony Humes, 52, a taxi driver from Burrell Boom Village, and six fishermen—Lerman Norman Leslie(31, Chunox), Freddy Estuardo Chavez (43, San Estevan), Angel Aragon (44, Sarteneja), Marvin Teul (35, Sarteneja), Ronyer Alexander Cruz (24, Sarteneja), and Christian Merilyn White (38, Sarteneja)—were jointly charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.

Authorities allege that on the night of March 18, 2025, the group was found with 1,137 grams (over 2.5 pounds) of suspected cocaine in Orange Walk. The bust was carried out by the Mobile Interdiction Team (MIT) and Highway Interdiction Team (HIT), who intercepted a gold Dodge Caravan driven by Pastor Humes before it reached its destination.

During their court appearance, all seven men pleaded not guilty. Due to the quantity of suspected cocaine, bail was denied under Section 16 of the Crimes Control and Criminal Justice Act, and they were remanded to the Belize Central Prison until May 22, 2025.

However, in a dramatic turn, Angel Aragon attempted to change his plea to guilty, prompting legal discussions. His attorney, Dr. Lynden Jones, requested a sentencing indication. The Senior Magistrate ruled out a fine, stating that Aragon faced a prison sentence of four to seven years. Upon hearing this, Aragon withdrew his guilty plea, and the case was adjourned.

The final determination of charges will depend on lab results confirming the actual weight of the suspected cocaine. The case will resume on May 22, 2025, at the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court.

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