ABSTRACT
This chapter offers an overview of the nature of illicit drugs and drug control in Jamaica as pertains to race and ethnicity. Jamaica's modern day struggles with drug abuse began not long after gaining independence from the British in 1962. Jamaica has made attempts to control pharmaceutical products abuse with the establishment of several acts-the Food and Drugs Court Act of 1966, Pharmacy Act, 1964, and the Precursor Chemical Act, 1999. Jamaica's convenient location, its lengthy, rugged and mountainous terrain, its reliance on tourism, and the faltering economy are factors that facilitate and sustain Jamaica's role in the global drug trade. The Office of the Contractor General, Jamaica Customs Enforcement, and the Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF) are attempting to take a stance against corruption. The US and Britain bilateral arrangements with Jamaica resulted in greater focus on border problems, with specific emphasis on drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
