ST. JOHN'S Antigua, June 21st, 2012 -- The Upper House on Wednesday passed into law the Office of National Drug & Money Laundering Control Policy (Amendment) Act 2012.
The Act will extend the scope of function for the ONDCP to include three new areas; the trafficking of persons, smuggling of migrants and the issue of illegal firearms offences.
These areas would affect the Trafficking in Persons Prevention Act of 2010, Migrant Smuggling Prevention Act of 2010 and the Firearms Act.
Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Dr. Hon. Errol Cort said the bill was not controversial pointing out that the addition of the segments are, “crucial to the harmonious operation of the ONDCP in combatting the growing prevalence of gun violence and human trafficking and smuggling in Antigua & Barbuda.”
“We all know that when you are dealing with matters pertinent to drug trafficking,” Dr Cort said. “There are always issues of firearms being involved and with movement of these boats you have smuggling of people and trafficking of people.”
Senator Malaka Parker described the move as timely, considering the many “lists” that Antigua & Barbuda manages to find itself on.
“Any move to strengthen an arm of government to effectively police these sorts of activities and manage the fallout when and if they do occur is indeed welcomed…. It would be very foolhardy to establish an ONDCP and give it the sort of mandate that we have given it and cut it off at the legs.” Senator Parker said.
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