MINISTER of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage urged local and regional law enforcement agencies to match or exceed the diversity and co-operation exhibited by transnational organised crime groups operating across borders.

Dr Nottage said criminal gangs have been able to survive in large part because of their ability to “overcome cultural and linguistic differences in the commission of their crimes”.

He said organised crime, particularly drug and firearm trafficking, has diversified and reached such macro-economic proportions in some parts of the world that proceeds from both illegal activities have become “a fundamental part of the economy” in those areas.

“Organised crime is not stagnant, but adapts as new crimes emerge, and as relationships between criminal networks become both more flexible and more sophisticated with ever-greater reach around the globe,” Dr Nottage said.

“Illicit goods may be sourced from one continent, trafficked across another and marketed in a third. The transnational nature of organised crime means that criminal networks forge bonds across borders as well as overcome cultural and linguistic differences in the commission of their crimes.

“(As a result) there is a need for continued and enhanced regional and global co-operation, co-ordination and exchange of information among law enforcement authorities of the region. Also required is the implementation of more effective border controls, and addressing more vigourously, the proceeds of drug trafficking.”

Addressing the Opening Session of the Sixth Session of the Interpol Capacity-Building Programme on Organised Crime for the Americas last week in New Providence, Dr Nottage told local and regional law enforcement representatives that organised crime networks are “very well resourced, co-operate intensely, adapt rapidly to changing circumstances and impose the ultimate sentence of death for breach of confidentiality and trust in efforts to sustain their existence.”

Dr Nottage said while the latter is “not a tool that is available to legitimate entities, the resilience and adaptability of illicit drug suppliers and users must be met with our concerted response”.

“The increasing power of drug gangs has helped to raise corruption and homicide rates in the region, both of which are particularly affected by significant levels of drug-related violence,” Dr Nottage said.

He applauded the many collaborations already existing between regional and/or global countries, while taking the time to also compliment the organisers of the two-week training session in New Providence.

These include the Canadian government which, through the Canadian Capacity Building Programme on Organised Crime, has provided support for the session; the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Seventeen participants from nine countries from Latin America and the Caribbean, along with 14 facilitators, are participating in the programme.

“Your presence here is clear evidence of the determination of all of your countries not just to fight the menace of transnational, organised crime, but to fight (for) and win the upper-hand,” Dr Nottage said.