A recent Belama drug possession case has resulted in a fine for a 24-year-old butcher. On Monday, May 5, 2025, Manuel de Jesus Guerrero appeared in Court #1 before Magistrate Ludlow Black. He pleaded guilty to charges of possessing crack cocaine and a drug-smoking pipe.
Guerrero, who lives in the Belama Phase 5 area, faced two charges: possession of a controlled drug and possession of utensils for drug use. The charges stem from an incident on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Police found Guerrero at the corner of Mapp and Cleghorn Streets in Belize City. He was in possession of 0.27 grams of crack cocaine and a 3-inch metal pipe adapted for smoking.
While standing unrepresented in court, Guerrero admitted to using crack cocaine for stress relief. He claimed he had only been using for about a month. When asked if he could stop, he said nothing. However, he did plead for leniency and offered to pay a fine.
Considering that this Belama drug possession case was Guerrero’s first offense, Magistrate Black chose a non-custodial sentence. The magistrate noted his early guilty plea and willingness to pay. As a result, Guerrero was fined $200 for each offense. He must also pay $5 in court costs per charge, bringing the total to $410. The payment is due by May 30, 2025. If he fails to pay, Guerrero will face three months in prison.
Before concluding the hearing, Magistrate Black warned Guerrero to avoid forming a habit of drug use. He emphasized that future violations could result in much harsher penalties, including jail time.
The case serves as a reminder of Belize’s firm stance on drug offenses and the importance of seeking help before addiction worsens.
