Nearly 400 police officers, undercover cops and drones deployed for Carnival; about 12 detained

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Nearly 400 police officers were deployed for Saturday’s Belize City Carnival Road March as authorities used uniformed officers, undercover personnel, drones and Coast Guard support to police the massive event.

ASP Stacy Smith said major events such as Carnival require advance operational planning because of the large crowds and the possibility that individuals may use those gatherings to target rivals.

Just under 400 officers were strategically deployed, including uniformed personnel, members of specialized operational units and undercover Special Branch officers.

Smith joked that some undercover personnel may even have been dressed in Carnival costumes.

Police also deployed drones along the route, which Smith said allowed officers to identify and intervene in disturbances before they escalated.

About 12 people were detained in connection with various disturbances, but police say the event generally concluded without any major security incident.

The Belize Coast Guard also assisted police because portions of the Carnival activity took place near the seafront.

The 2026 Road March began at Lord Rhaburn Plaza at Memorial Park and ended at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex.

Smith thanked the officers who worked the event as well as members of the public who cooperated with authorities.

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