7News has received multiple reports, which say that police picked up a prohibited firearm at the western border with Guatemala yesterday. Benque Police would not release any details, but we have learned that a 19-year-old Belize City man was seen tossing a weapon out a window in the arrival hall. When police went to check, it was a .45 pistol - one of the most powerful handguns made - so deadly that it cannot be licensed in Belize.
Our information says that yesterday at 3:00, a large crowd was coming across from Melchor - and usually, in the Christmas rush - there are only random searches. But police and customs were searching a number of travellers - and it seems the young man got nervous - so he reached out to a window in the arrival area and tossed an object outside. Police picked it up immediately and found a firearm, plus a bag with two dozen live rounds. He has been detained, but, like we said, Benque police have not provided any further details.
It's still newsworthy though, because it has long been known that Melchor is a source for illegal weapons, and even grenades which often end up on Belize City Streets. It is believed that the suspect acquired the handgun in Melchor and was bringing it back to Belize City to be used in gang warfare.
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