THE SEIZURE of the third major shipment of cocaine since last month gives some indication of the scale of the drug trafficking being directed through the island.
Even on the assumption that some shipments must have slipped through before the stepped-up security measures, the traffic has reached alarming levels of tonnage and street value. Which suggests that local consumption is a minor part of the business and the bulk is transhipped.
One indication of this is the proliferation of drug mules who have been snared coming off flights into the United Kingdom. The numbers caught are said to have been greatly reduced since the installation of new ion scan detection devices at both international airports.
Another aspect of the drug scene surfaced again in Portland at the weekend when the third major shipment was forced to beach in Manchioneal. Police in the process of securing the bales of cocaine came under attack from residents, apparently peeved that they had been beaten to the treasure.
Some three years ago, also in east Portland, villagers made the most of a cargo of cocaine in a boat washed ashore near Boston. In subsequent days merchants in Port Antonio had a bonanza of heavy shopping of items ranging from 'deportee' cars to furniture and home appliances. Portland is the parish from which more than 50 policemen were transferred in January 1998 by Commissioner Francis Forbes on suspicion of being involved in cocaine trafficking.
The Manchioneal episode is only unusual for the open hostility shown by local residents to the extent that the narcotics team came under attack from missiles.
One other aspect of the drug scene should get closer attention. Tourism is an important part of the nation's economy but it may be difficult to differentiate between the average tourist visitor and those who may be part of the illicit network of drug trafficking.
It is reasonable to assume that if the bulk of cocaine comes from Colombia some operatives from that country would be playing some role in the transhipment. This aspect of the matter is one more challenge for narcotics agents engaged in this dangerous war.
