Penalty for assembling to smuggle, etc

(1) All persons assembled to the number of three or more for the purpose of unshipping, carrying, conveying or concealing any uncustomed, prohibited or forfeited goods commits an offence. (2) Every person who– (a) by any means procures, hires or induces any persons to assemble for any of the purposes set out in sub-section (1); (b) in any manner obstructs any appropriate officer of the Government of Belize, or any officer of Customs or police officer, or any person acting in aid or assistance of any of 58 them or duly employed for the prevention of smuggling, in the execution of his duty, or in the due seizure of any goods liable to forfeiture under any customs laws; (c) rescues or causes to be rescued any goods which have been seized, or attempts or endeavours so to do; or (d) before, at or after, any seizure staves, breaks or otherwise destroys any goods to prevent the seizure thereof or the securing of the same, commits an offence. (3) Every person who commits an offence under this section is liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years, or to both such fine and period of imprisonment.