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Drug Trafficking Hub: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Strategic Location Fuels Cocaine Trade

St. Kitts and Nevis, a small Caribbean island nation, has been identified as a key trans-shipment hub for drug shipments originating in South America and en route to the US and Europe. Its strategic geographic location and regular direct flights to the UK make it an attractive destination for criminal organizations.

Criminal Networks and State Enablers

The report suggests that foreign actors control the most pervasive criminal economy in St. Kitts and Nevis, with local groups organizing transportation and logistics. While there is no evidence of mafia-style groups operating in the country, loose criminal networks and small gangs seem to be involved in the drug trade.

State actors have been accused of enabling money laundering, which has facilitated organized crime groups’ ability to purchase local passports through the Citizen by Investment Programme. Additionally, some foreign nationals who visit or reside in St. Kitts and Nevis are believed to be involved in drug trafficking, with Venezuelans reportedly overseeing cocaine shipments.

Challenges in Combating Money Laundering

Despite efforts to curb violence, authorities face significant challenges in combating money laundering due to the country’s strong bank-secrecy laws and lack of transparency regarding legal entities. The report also highlights the difficulty of doing business in St. Kitts and Nevis, citing challenges in registering property, limited access to credit, and high taxes.

Government Efforts and Challenges

The government has implemented several measures to combat organized crime, including anti-corruption laws and international cooperation with countries such as the UK, US, and EU. However, the country’s justice system still faces challenges, including overcrowding in prisons and a lack of anti-organized-crime units.

Criticisms and Recommendations

Criticisms have been raised about the government’s handling of civil society organizations, with some opposition groups facing restrictions on their activities. The report highlights the importance of strengthening institutions, improving transparency, and enhancing cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime.

Sources

• OCINDEX.NET
• United States Department of State

Note

This article is based on a summary of a report funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.