New York brothers in Belize for family reunion fined $3,000 for bringing marijuana into Belize

Published by [email protected] at June 21, 2025

Posted: Saturday, June 21, 2025. 8:00 am CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Two brothers from New York, in Belize for a family reunion, were fined $1,500 each after pleading guilty to importing marijuana into the country. The incident unfolded at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Christopher Francis Noel, 38, a basketball coach and trainer, and his older brother Patrick P. Noel, 46, who works in the medical field and as a mechanic, were both charged with the importation of controlled drugs after police discovered small quantities of marijuana in their luggage — 18 grams and 29 grams, respectively.

The brothers, who arrived from New York, were detained at PGIA and later escorted to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court by officers from the Ladyville Police Formation. In court, they appeared unrepresented and pleaded guilty before Chief Magistrate Deborah Rogers.

Despite requesting leniency, the Chief Magistrate informed the men that the offense carries a minimum penalty of $10,000 and up to three years in prison. However, because they pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and showed remorse, the court imposed a reduced fine of $1,500 each — a total of $3,000 — to be paid immediately. In default, each would face six months’ imprisonment.

Christopher Noel argued that the marijuana was weighed with the plastic bags, making the actual amount less than stated. However, Magistrate Rogers explained that gross weight is used in such cases to avoid tampering with evidence. She added that changes are being considered to weigh net amounts in the future.

The marijuana was discovered during a routine search conducted by police officers, including QRT personnel and PGIA authorities, following intelligence received shortly after noon on June 18. U.S. Embassy officials were also notified of the arrest.

The brothers told the court the incident stemmed from a misinterpretation and apologized, acknowledging Belize’s strict drug laws.

Their sentence is to run concurrently with any other sentence.

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