Belize: Earlier this week, a 25-year old stevedore from Belize City appeared in the court. The man, identified as Michael Bowen, appeared before Magistrate Mannon Dennison on a charge of possession of a controlled drug.
According to the police report, Bowen was pulled over and searched on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. They found 13.6 grams of cannabis in his possession which led to his arrest and later charged.
At the time of his court appearance, Bowen chose to represent himself and he immediately pleaded guilty to the charge. He admitted to the fact that the marijuana belonged to him and did not attempt to dispute the defense. Magistrate Dennison accepted his plea and sentenced him to a non-custodial sentence.
Bowen was given a $140 fine for the offense, which also includes an extra $5 in court costs. Until November 30, 2025, he has to pay the full fine. If he fails to pay by the deadline, he will have to serve one month in jail.
Before leaving the courtroom, Bowen also took care of an earlier fine of $10 that he still owed to the court. The magistrate said that his cooperation and early plea of guilty were taken into consideration during the time of his sentencing.
This mark’s Bowen’s first time with a drug charge. Police have reminded the locals that possession of marijuana is still a criminal offense under Belize’s law, despite authorities continuous efforts to potential reforms. They are advising the public to follow the law and avoid any possession of drugs.
