Ja committed to fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking

The Ministry of Health is tasked with controlling demand by treating and rehabilitating abusers, while the security ministry is responsible for curbing supply through destroying marijuana fields and interdicting illegal drugs at the ports of entry.

Some pieces of legislation that have been aiding the process include the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, the Proceeds of Crime Act, the Precursor Chemicals Act and the Suppression of Maritime Drug Trafficking Act. Nelson said the Organised Crime/Anti-Gang Bill, which is shortly to be tabled in Parliament, will complement the existing laws.

The country has also become a party to the three international drug control conventions as well as the International Convention on Transnational Organised Crime and the Convention on Corruption.

"In our own situation here in Jamaica, we have witnessed the devastation of families by the addiction of members, gang and turf wars, the power gained by criminal enterprises from the illicit drug trade, the threat to economic life, in particular, the contamination of export cargo, and government's fiscal policy as well as the threat to governance," said Nelson.

The minister also used the opportunity to express gratitude to overseas partners and multilateral groups for the assistance rendered to the country over the years.

The UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, meanwhile, is urging all sectors of society to get involved in the fight.

"...Drug use, at its core, is a health issue. Drug dependence is a disease, not a crime. The real criminals are the drug traffickers. But the supply side is only half of the equation. Unless we reduce demand for illicit drugs, we can never fully tackle cultivation, production or trafficking.

"Governments have a responsibility to counteract both drug trafficking and drug abuse, but communities can also make a major contribution. Families, schools, civil society and religious organisations can do their part to rid their communities of drugs. Businesses can help provide legitimate livelihoods. The media can raise awareness about the dangers of narcotics," Ban said in a statement.

This year's observance of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is the 24th and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

The theme is 'Global Action for Healthy Communities without Drugs'.