El Pozito archaeological site suffers destruction of ancient structures

The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) is seeking public assistance to identify individuals responsible for the destruction of an ancient archaeological complex at the El Pozito site. The damage, discovered during a routine inspection on August 17, 2026, involves Complex D and associated structures near Guinea Grass Village in the Orange Walk District.

Senior Archaeologist Josue Ramos noted that the destruction appears to have been caused by mechanized equipment, such as a bulldozer, based on tracks found at the scene. While the area has been under close monitoring due to nearby land-clearing activities, NICH confirmed that no mining or quarrying permits have been issued for the site. Officials suspect the damage may have been caused by local farming activities.

The site has recently been the subject of research efforts through a partnership between the Institute of Archaeology and the College of East Texas. NICH reminded the public that the deliberate destruction of ancient monuments is a criminal offense under the National Institute of Culture and History Act, punishable by fines of up to $75,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.