COCAINE SMUGGLING IN GRENADA: A THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY

Grenada, a small island nation in the Caribbean, has been grappling with a growing problem of cocaine smuggling in recent years. The country’s strategic location, porous borders, and large number of visitors have made it an attractive route for drug traffickers.

State-Embedded Corruption and Bribery

According to sources, state-embedded actors are not pervasive in Grenada, but isolated cases of corrupt practices and bribery linked to oil contracts have been identified. Allegations have also been made of cooperation between police officials and the private sector in some areas, such as the electricity sector.

Private Sector Involvement in Financial Crimes

Private sector actors are known to be involved in financial crimes and money laundering, which has raised concerns about the country’s ability to tackle organized crime. Despite having a relatively strong body of laws aimed at tackling organized crime, accusations of high-level corruption, fraud, and links to drug trafficking have raised serious doubts about the state’s capacity and willingness to tackle illegal markets.

International Cooperation and Treaties

Grenada is party to several international treaties and conventions aimed at fighting organized crime, including cooperation agreements with the US, UK, and EU. The country has also signed agreements for training and equipment donations and participation in projects contributing to an established international intelligence network.

Judicial System and Prisons

However, Grenada’s judicial system is based on British law but is antiquated, slow, and unable to deal with complex cases. Suspected offenders are often bailed for several years pending trial, and judicial decisions often favor fines over jail time. The country’s prisons are overcrowded, with a high rate of pre-trial detention.

Law Enforcement Agencies

The Royal Grenada Police Force is the main law-enforcement agency in the country, responsible for general policing, immigration control, maritime and port security, and investigation of organized crime. The force has a dedicated drug squad that works closely with the special services unit and coastguard to combat illegal drug trafficking.

Customs and Border Control

Customs has a search and rummage team based in St George’s port, which searches for illicit drugs and cooperates with the Royal Grenada Police Force for seizures. Grenada’s vulnerability to cocaine smuggling is further exacerbated by its geographic location, proximity to South America, large number of visitors, and porous borders.

Money Laundering

Money laundering remains an issue in Grenada, despite steps taken to address concerns. The country’s cash-based economy contributes to this problem, and the lack of resources affects civil society organizations, journalists, and media outlets.

Efforts to Improve Victim Protection and Prevention

Efforts are being made to improve victim protection, with the Royal Grenada Police Force having a special victims unit. Prevention campaigns encompass drug demand reduction policies, sports for drug prevention, and guidelines for schools and workplaces.

Government Efforts to Combat Corruption and Nepotism

Grenada’s government has made tackling corruption and nepotism within the government a priority since coming to power in June 2022. However, more needs to be done to address the country’s cocaine smuggling problem and improve its law-enforcement capabilities.