Jamaica flagged by US as major drug transshipment hub

 

Jamaica has again been flagged as a critical node in international narcotics trafficking networks due to its proximity to major drug producing and drug consuming regions. 

 

According to the latest US Narcotics Control Report, the country is a significant producer of illicit drugs and a key transit country for narcotics destined for North America and Europe. 

 

The report referred to Jamaica as the Caribbean's largest producer of cannabis.

 

It says Jamaica faces significant challenges in combating drug trafficking and corruption, however strong bilateral cooperation with the United States has resulted in key successes.

 

It further describes the country as a strategically located a transshipment hub for cocaine between South America, especially Colombia and the United States. 

 

The paper also outlines a sophisticated criminal network linked to transnational organised crime, which facilitates drug trafficking via air and maritime routes, highlighting real-time gaps in the country's border security.

 

It says Jamaica's lack of adequate air and maritime assets limits the ability to effectively intercept these exchanges and persistent operational challenges including sufficient controls for safeguarding and monitoring seizures of drugs, illicit firearms and other contraband, further hinder comprehensive interdiction efforts.

 

In light of this, firearms trafficking remains a significant concern with evidence of an active exchange of guns and drugs between Jamaica and Haiti, which has exacerbated crime and violence in both countries. 

 

Consistent reports of commercial containers disappearing each month has also been highlighted, with a leadership turnover and vacancies within the Port Authority exacerbating the problem. 

 

The efforts of law enforcement and the government prioritising bilateral collaboration to address the critical security risks posed by both firearms and drug trafficking were however acknowledged and lauded. 

 

But the report adds that the police and the military face challenges related to equipment maintenance and corruption, which undermines their efficacy.

 

The US is suggesting that Jamaica prioritises institutional accountability, leadership stability, and oversight at its ports.

 

Dissecting further, the report notes that the use of psychoactive drugs, such as ecstasy, has been on the rise, adding that psilocybin, commonly referred to as mushrooms, is largely unregulated but is increasingly being promoted in the commercial industry.

 

Jamaica's handling of the drug epidemic was also assessed in terms of prevention, public awareness and treatment. 

 

It says the efforts of the Ministry of Health's National Council on Drug Abuse to address Jamaica's domestic drug consumption with the expansion of prevention programmes are welcomed, but the treatment infrastructure remains underdeveloped.