Rising crime attributed to illegal drug trade

The Director of the Washington based Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA), Professor Larry Birns, has attributed the rising crime rate in Jamaica to the illegal drug trade.

More than 1,000 persons have been murdered since the start of the year.

Professor Larry Burns said although the Bruce Golding led administration recently assumed office, the problem is one that needs urgent attention.

He noted that the government’s task is difficult, especially in light of the number of persons being deported.

He said thousands of Jamaicans have been deported to the island from the United States and Britain, bringing with them, sophisticated skills which members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force are not capable of fighting at their present level.