ST JOHN’S, Antigua – In a powerful display of unity, the senior leadership of Antigua and Barbuda’s national security apparatus has issued a joint declaration of their continued resolve to combat narcotics trafficking and prevent the twin-island nation from being used as a transit point for illegal drugs.
The comprehensive statement, representing the unified voice of the Royal Police Force, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP), and the Immigration Department, contained a stern warning to criminal elements. The agencies emphatically stated, “We will not provide shelter for those who profit from it. We remain vigilant at sea, resolute in investigation, firm in enforcement and committed to cooperation with trusted partners—guided always by the law and the national interest.”
Beyond reinforcing their operational posture, the security chiefs issued a direct appeal to citizens, urging the population to remain alert and to proactively report any suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities. This call for public cooperation underscores a strategy that blends robust enforcement with community engagement.
The leadership further emphasized the nation’s active collaboration with regional and international partners to counter evolving transnational threats. The public was assured that all border control agencies and the defence force remain “fully engaged and vigilant to protect the nation, preserve the integrity of its financial and border systems and contribute responsibly to regional and international security.”
Reaffirming its strategic commitments, the statement outlined Antigua and Barbuda’s firm dedication to safeguarding national and regional security through sustained action against a spectrum of crimes, including drug trafficking, money laundering, firearms trafficking, and organised crime. The agencies also highlighted their increased focus on emerging threats in the domains of cybercrime and irregular migration.
The joint communication addressed the wider regional context, acknowledging that recent counter-narcotics initiatives by the United States have triggered media allegations concerning the potential corruption of Caribbean governments and leaders by narco-traffickers. In contrast to these reports, the statement presented the nation’s most recent national threat analysis, which continues to classify Antigua and Barbuda as a “low-risk jurisdiction.” This favorable classification was attributed to the country’s strong legal and regulatory framework, effective financial oversight, a comparatively low crime rate, and its active and meaningful international cooperation.