Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterONTARIO, Canada:
THE DRUGS-for-gun trade between Haiti and Jamaica is proving highly lucrative for Jamaican criminals.
Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas told Jamaicans living in Canada that five pounds of compressed ganja can be exchanged for three AK-47 or three M-16 rifles.
"Our informants tell us that five pounds of ganja can be exchanged for these weapons in Haiti. It costs between $130,000 and $150,000 to buy an AK or M-16 in Jamaica. Therefore, you can see how lucrative the drugs-for-guns trade has become," said Mr. Thomas.
Commissioner Thomas further explained that intelligence reports clearly indicated that illegal guns were still flowing into the country from the United States and some Central American countries.
WELL-DRESSED MEN
Speaking at the Jamaica Canadian Association head-quarters on Arrow Road in Toronto, Thomas said that poor people in inner-city communities could not afford expensive ammunition, so the question was where were they getting it from.
Based on intelligence, the police said they have now turned their searchlight on at least 13 well-dressed men, living in upscale communities across the island.
He disclosed that 70 per cent of the over 1,650 murders reported last year, were committed by men between the ages of 15-35 and also, at least 70 per cent of that age group were the victims of those crimes.
