Judiciary crucial in transnational crime fight

The judiciary has to play a critical role if law enforcement is to win the fight against threats from transnational criminal organizations.

In fact, Commander of the United States (US) Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Admiral Craig Faller described the judicial system as the most important aspect in this chain, which includes the sharing and analyzing of information among militaries to identity and fill gaps to counter the criminal elements.

“We are constantly looking at how to improve our systems, process our interactions. So that when we detect and then act on that information, often that action is by a law enforcement agency. For the US, it’s the Homeland Security or the Drug Enforcement Agency. That then ends up in a detention or disruption. Disruption means that no drugs get delivered; detention is when criminals are in the hands of law enforcement. The most important aspect in this chain is the judicial system that is feared by the criminals. That becomes the deterrent,” he said.

Faller, along with Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) Colonel Glyne Grannum, spoke briefly to the media following discussions between United States and Barbados government officials on matters of mutual security interest on Thursday.

Describing Barbados as a vital security partner, Faller said threats from transnational criminal organizations are present in Barbados and across the Eastern Caribbean.

He noted these groups often operate with impunity, thrive on corruption and use cyber and digital currency to avoid detection and prosecution. He said this is why his government’s intention is to continuing working with Barbados to make a difference in light of these threats. (KC)