Peril in Paradise: The Caribbean, the Fragile Third Border of the Drug Trade

• Crackdown on Colombian and Central American routes has caused a major shift of drug trafficking to the Caribbean basin
• Growing violence on the islands resulting from drug trafficking is impeding growth and social development
• The effects of kidnapping and money laundering have already begun to take root
• Issues that make the CARICOM region susceptible to drug trafficking are not being effectively addressed, or even adequately discussed.

Last May, a state of emergency was declared in Kingston, Jamaica, raising concerns over drug trafficking and other criminal activities in the Caribbean. The conflict arose following Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding’s decision to hand over the island’s top drug lord, Christopher “Dudus” Coke, in deference to Washington’s extradition request. The U.S. State Department had labeled him as one of the world’s most dangerous criminals and has been calling for his capture for over a year. In recent years Coke’s “Shower Posse” cartel had expanded its narcotic and firearm network as far as Brooklyn, N.Y. and even to parts of Canada. Following years of history, his widespread influence in the trade geographically and socially has made a deepening impact in Jamaica, as well as other areas such as the U.S., Canada and neighboring Caribbean islands.

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This analysis was prepared by COHA Research Associate Colin Frederick