NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 16 INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 1, 2026 ships include various embassies in Jamaica, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and France, the World Customs Organisation, the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC), the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) through the Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP), formerly Airport Communication Programme (AIRCOP), and Container Control Programme (CCP), the European Union, through the Seaport Cooperation (SEACOP), and the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL). These strategic alliances, along with enhanced port screening and capacity building have proven to be very effective, resulting in marked increases in the detection and seizures of contraband, arms and ammunition and currency, as well as arrests. The period January to December 2025 reflected over 700 contraband seizures, a 28.6% increase, when compared with the previous year. Notable upticks were seen in marijuana and debit/credit card seizures, as well as arms and ammunition. Currency seizures also saw dramatic increases, particularly the United States Dollar (USD) at 114.4%, Canadian Dollar (CAD) at 142.77% and the Jamaican Dollar (JMD) at a whopping 13,100%, reflecting more substantial financial interdiction efforts. May 27, 2025, was a great day for Customs and Jamaica, as it marked the largest seizure of arms and ammunition to date, where more than 200 firearms, over 20,000 rounds of ammunition along with various firearm parts and assorted magazines were recovered. With the application of risk assessment and intelligence-based analysis, these impressive figures tell the story of potential changes in criminal activity, new trends and areas for enhanced focus, and allows the Border Protection Division to be more targeted in applying resources to the right areas. The BPD has credited extensive training initiatives, enhanced intelligence sharing, advanced port screening systems and strengthened inter-agency and international collaboration as the reasons for the gains, allowing the agency to disrupt criminal networks and bolster national security. The comparative analysis of seizure activity for January to December 2024 and 2025 demonstrates significant advancements in the JCA’s enforcement capabilities and its contribution to national security. The 2025 outcomes reflect a more strategic, intelligence-led, technology enabled, and capability-driven enforcement posture. Through vigilance, enhanced port screening, expanded training programmes, and improved collaboration at national and international levels, the JCA has strengthened its ability to intercept high-risk contraband, disrupt criminal networks, and reinforce Jamaica’s broader crime-reduction objectives, thereby protecting society. Onboarding of the Canine Unit The BPD continues to maintain its vigilance and build on the advancements made, with the onboarding of its new Canine Unit in 2025, which is expected to further boost its border security capacity. The Canine Unit is comprised of 12 staff members and eight (8) highly trained canines, and will enhance the BPD’s ability to detect narcotics, explosives, munitions and other restricted or prohibited goods at all major ports of entry.
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