The Government's efforts to put a dent in the narcotics trade was yesterday boosted by an additional J$35 million (US$500,000) injection from the United States Government.

This came as Minister of National Security Derrick Smith and U.S. Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson signed the Maritime Interdiction, Port Security and Law Enforcement Letter of Agreement.

The document modifies and amends the 2001 Letter of Agreement between Jamaica and the United States.

Mr. Smith said the modification will see Jamaica receiving an additional amount of $35 million for interdiction and law enforcement activities.

Air and seaport security

On the interdiction side, $14 million will go towards providing training, equipment and vehicles to Jamaican entities engaged in air and seaport security operations.

The remainder, he said, would be used for law enforcement and would provide training and commodity assistance to the Financial Investigative Division and the Tax Administration Directorate of the Ministry of Finance, to enhance the country's capability to fight financial crime through the seizure and forfeiture of criminal assets.

"It is no secret that there is a drug problem in our country ... a problem which we alone cannot solve. I am, therefore, heartened that the United States Government has seen it fit to modify the six-year-old agreement, and provide more funds for the programme," Mr. Smith said at the ceremony held at the Ministry of National Security's offices in St. Andrew.

He added: "We recognise that because of our fragile economy, geographical location and inadequate security capabilities, we are extremely vulnerable to the narco-trade."

Mr. Smith said while the beneficiaries of the illegal drug trade may be relatively small, the number of victims, including drug addicts and innocent victims of crimes committed to support drug habits, are uncountable.