Press Release – Police Press Office – September 29, 2011 – On 18th September, 2011 about 2:00pm, the Belmopan Police Quick Response Team (QRT), on the Strength of a Warrant conducted a search at a location North of Belize Christian Academy. Present at the time of the search was Roberto Igarza Velazquez, 55yrs, Cuban, Mechanic of Calle Las Americas, Salvapan Area. The search led to the discovery of a clandestine oil refinery distillery of making by-products such as kerosene and diesel in industrial commercial quantities. The distillery consisted of metallic bosser storage, also rotoplast tanks, pipes and hoses. Heavy duty machines such as bulldozers, Tractors and Cranes were also found in the area.
Police personnel have since been dispatched to secure the premises. Velasquez is detained because he is living in Belize illegally. The Department Of Environment and Petroleum were informed who has since taken over the investigation. Immigration Department was informed likewise the United States Embassy because he also had in his possession a permanent residency card from the United States of America. Matter is being investigated by Department of Environment, Immigration and INTERPOL.