Investigators have discovered a new trend in the guns for drugs trade between Jamaica and some neighbouring countries including Haiti.
The Narcotics Division said drug smugglers in Jamaica are exchanging ganja not only for guns but also for other commodities.
Senior Superintendent McArthur Sutherland, head of the Narcotics Division, said these commodities include alcohol, motorcycles and food items.
SSP Sutherland disclosed that cocaine, on the other hand, is generally exchanged for money.
“It is particularly challenging to effectively police the several uncontrolled ports across the island. In addition, smugglers continue to target the controlled ports, notwithstanding the increase on robust security measures being employed to deter them,” he acknowledged.
Still, he said there have been “targeted and deliberate” responses to this threat which have resulted in several seizures throughout 2016 and into 2017.
SSP Sutherland said the narcotics division is working with counterparts from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Port Authority, as well as regional partners to resolve the issue.
Dem tings yah will always gwan. It crazy doe fi a get gun fi wah kill more ppl.