Jamaica to tighten laws against Molly and other synthetic drugs amid rise in seizures

Jamaica is to get tougher on tackling synthetic drugs such as Molly as it seeks to combat drug trafficking.

The Government is to modernise Jamaica’s drug laws to address the issue.

The matter was among those discussed at last Thursday’s meeting of the National Security Council, which is chaired by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness.

A government statement indicated that the council approved recommendations to modernise Jamaica’s drug laws by bringing new psychoactive substances, commonly known as synthetic or designer drugs, within the scope of existing legislation.

It said the decision follows an increase in the seizure of synthetic drugs, including substances marketed as “Molly”.

The Government said the move is intended to ensure that Jamaica’s legal framework keeps pace with rapidly evolving narcotics.

“Synthetic drugs represent one of the fastest-growing threats to citizen security and public health,” said Holness.

“Criminal organisations continually modify these substances to evade the law. Our legislation must evolve just as rapidly to ensure Jamaica has the legal tools necessary to protect our people, particularly our young people.”

The Government said it will amend the relevant legislation to enable emerging psychoactive substances to be rapidly designated and controlled before they become established in Jamaica.

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