Trial pushed to 2027 for police exhibit keeper accused of improperly disposing of weed gummies that got dozens of school-kids high

By Breaking Belize News Staff: The trial of Belize Police Department exhibit keeper Mario Bustillos over the infamous 2023 weed gummies incident has been pushed back another six months and will now begin in March 2027.

Bustillos was expected to go on trial before High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim on Wednesday, September 16, on a charge of willful oppression, but the matter could not proceed due to the court’s already packed trial calendar for the remainder of 2026.

Bustillos appeared in the High Court with his attorney, Nazira Myles Espat, where his new trial date was set for March 9, 2027. The Crown is expected to call more than 20 witnesses during the trial.

Bustillos is accused of acting in excess of his authority as a police exhibit keeper on April 21, 2023, when he allegedly improperly disposed of bags containing cannabis-infused gummies being kept as police property.

The edibles had originally been seized after entering Belize and were handed over by the Police Anti-Narcotics Unit for storage. Police said Bustillos allegedly disposed of them without authorization in a garbage trailer at the Queen Street Police Station compound. They were subsequently taken to the Belize City transfer station, where some of the gummies reportedly made their way back into circulation and were eventually sold to members of the public, including schoolchildren.

The incident triggered widespread concern after more than 30 children and several adults were hospitalized after consuming the marijuana-laced sweets. Bustillos was subsequently arraigned on 10 counts of negligent harm involving 10 minors and was granted bail.

Those negligent harm charges were later discontinued, and Bustillos was instead charged with willful oppression. By May 2024, the matter had been committed to the High Court for trial.

On December 10, 2025, Bustillos sought a sentencing indication from the High Court while considering a guilty plea. Justice Pilgrim indicated that he was contemplating a sentence of one year imprisonment if Bustillos pleaded guilty. Bustillos rejected the indication and elected to proceed to trial.

The matter subsequently went to case management in January 2026.

Bustillos, who remains on interdiction from the Police Department, remains free on bail pending his March 2027 trial.

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