Caribbean Regional Director of the United Nations International Drug Control Programme, Michael Platzer (left) and State Minister of National Security and Justice, Ben Clare, peruse the 2000 report published by the UN's International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). The report was launched yesterday, for the first time in Jamaica, at the Ministry of National Security and Justice on Oxford Road. - Junior Dowie

THE UNITED Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) yesterday lauded the Jamaican political directorate for its drug interdiction efforts, although cocaine trafficking through the country continues to escalate.

"The political will to combat crime is evident in Jamaica," says Michael Platzer, Caribbean Regional Director of the UN's International Drug Control Programme.

Speaking yesterday at the Ministry of National Security and Justice at the launching of the INCB's 2000 report, Mr. Platzer pointed to the strengthening of drug laws. This has resulted in more custodial sentences being handed down and a reduction in drug-related crime. He also commended law enforcement officers for their successes in stemming ganja cultivation.

Police statistics indicate that 516 hectares of ganja were destroyed in 1999, including more than 10,000 plants and 14 nurseries. This figure is down from the previous year, when 894 hectares of ganja and 16 nurseries were destroyed.

The INCPB report says, however, that there is still "considerable illicit cultivation of cannabis (ganja) destined both for export and local markets".

Meanwhile, cocaine trafficking through Jamaica continues to increase.

In 1999, the report states, a record 2,500 kilogrammes of cocaine were seized, more than double the amount seized in 1998. Almost half that amount was reportedly smuggled to the US via the Bahamas.

In his remarks at the launch, State Minister Ben Clare said Jamaica was proud of its achievements, particularly with respect to arrests for drug offences. He said last year was a record one, with 8,872 persons convicted for drug-related crimes.

Eighteen boats were seized and forfeited and the funds collected will be funnelled into the eradication drive, Mr. Clare said.

The State Minister noted too that law enforcement officials could not patrol coastal area effectively, because of a lack of resources.

But he appealed to the countries receiving drugs "to do as much, or even more, because they have more resources".

According to the report, the majority of cocaine transhipped through Jamaica in 1999 -- 35 per cent -- was destined for Europe. The US accounted for 17 per cent.

Jamaican and Bahamian transportation groups, under the control of Colombian middlemen, use canoes or turbo-prop aircraft to smuggle their illicit cargo.

Smaller quantities of cocaine are said to leave the country through couriers or 'mules' aboard commercial flights to Europe, the Eastern Caribbean, the USA and Canada.

The report says 64 per cent of persons arrested for cocaine smuggling in US airports in 1999 had arrived from Jamaica.

And according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a large proportion of the cocaine entering that country from the Caribbean, comes through Jamaica.

The INCB was established in 1961 for the implementation of international drug control treaties. It is responsible for monitoring compliance by governments and assisting them in their efforts to fulfil their obligations under these treaties.

Top

sc:jg dt:02/22/2001