The Government is taking a more robust and targeted approach to tackling the trade of illegal firearms and drugs, according to Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang,

He said illicit trades, which are being orchestrated by transnational criminal networks that operate seamlessly across borders, are linked to the proliferation of crimes. He said the Government recognises that the illicit trade undermines the safety and security of the nation and has been working to dismantle the criminal networks.

“This is reflected in the most recent Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022; major amendments to the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act, 2019; and the expanded focus of the Jamaica Customs Agency in securing our borders,” Chang outlined.

He was addressing the opening of the 37th International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) on Tuesday, September 19. It is being held from September 19 to 21 under the theme ‘Disrupting Transnational Criminal Organizations and their Supply Chains’ at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St James.

Enhance collaboration

Chang said the IDEC provides a vital platform for fostering cooperation among law-enforcement officials from around the world. It offers an opportunity to enhance collaboration and jointly address illicit drug
trafficking, which fuels the expansion of transnational criminal organisations.

“I am confident that the connections and the decisions taken throughout this conference may be in the best interest of our separate but connected interests and begin to lay a stronger foundation to combat transnational criminal organisations that threaten all countries,” Chang said.

More than 900 delegates representing 139 countries are in attendance to discuss and collaborate on issues related to drug enforcement and the global drug trade.