Memorandum of Understanding signed to combat illicit maritime trafficking in Jamaica

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on Thursday between the ministry of National Security, the European Delegation to Jamaica and the Jamaica Customs Agency on the Seaport Cooperation Project (SEACOP).

Chief Technical Director Rohan Richards, who delivered remarks on behalf of the ministry at the signing ceremony said that in order to secure the country’s borders “we must collaborate with our regional and international partners.” “Border security is a critical component of the Government's crime prevention strategy,” he said.

The MOU will promote faster maritime ties amongst JDF Coast Guard, Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Maritime Police, Jamaica Customs Agency and their international partners, the ministry said.

The SEACOP Project is aligned to and will bolster the Ministry's Five Pillar Crime Reduction Strategy aimed at reducing crime and creating a safer Jamaica.

According to the Ministry, SEACOP will support Jamaica's capability to combat illicit maritime trafficking and associated criminal networks while enhancing international cooperation in tackling unlawful maritime trafficking on the transatlantic cocaine route.