Erin Dylan Yacab, a 27-year-old man from Belize City, has been sentenced to three months in prison. He pleaded guilty to obstructing a police officer during a drug search.
Yacab lives on Douglas Jones Street. He appeared before the Chief Magistrate in Court #1. Initially, he pleaded not guilty. However, he later changed his plea to guilty.
The incident happened on December 27, 2024, near New Road in Belize City. Around 12:30 a.m., officers were doing a vehicle checkpoint and foot patrol. PC #1272 Tyren Pablo and PC Eulianee Diego spotted Yacab leaving an alley.
They approached him. Officers informed Yacab that he would be searched for drugs or ammunition. While being told, he held a small plastic bag in his hand. It appeared to contain a white substance, suspected to be cocaine or crack cocaine.
Quickly, Yacab placed the bag in his mouth. He then locked his jaw. Officer Pablo ordered him to open his mouth. Yacab refused and began chewing. He eventually swallowed the contents.
This action prevented the officers from completing the search. His behavior led to the obstruction charge.
Because of his guilty plea, Erin Dylan Yacab received a three-month prison sentence. This term will run at the same time as any other sentence he may already be serving.
He had already been on remand for burglary and drug charges. His latest sentence adds to his criminal record.
This case highlights the challenges officers face during street-level drug enforcement. Belizean police continue working to stop illegal drug activity in the city.
