Wednesday at the Primature, during the 35th Council of Government, the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe reiterated the commitment of his Government to make the fight against drug, smuggling and corruption a priority.

Thanks to concerted actions and institutional cohesion, of drug seizure operations, of assets related to illicit trafficking and arrests were recorded as part of the government's fight against drugs and smuggling.

From January to June 2014, by the National Commission for the Fight against Drugs: 7 Jamaicans were arrested in the South Department and three boats were seized. During the same period Police seized 3,280 kilograms of cocaine and 83 vehicles. 64 people were arrested and two were extradited to the USA.

During this 35th Council, it was decided that the funds from the sale of assets and property seized in the course of trafficking, are transferred to the Office for the Fight against Drugs Trafficking (BLTS) for its strengthening.

In its fight against corruption in all its forms across the country, the Government has developed new strategies that have contributed, according to Antoine Atouriste the Deneral Director of Unit for Combating Corruption (ULCC) to increase State revenue and gradually repatriate $500 million of losses recorded annually at collecting institutions. Structures such as the Interministerial Committee for the Fight against Corruption, established by the government, played a leading role by facilitating a rapid reversal of the trend through more rigorous and effective controls in ports and other crossing points at the border with the Dominican Republic.

Brigades were placed in strategic locations to support the actions of the Customs, while the ULCC has also supported the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI), under the procedure for enforcing payment via concrete actions promoting a net increase of 1.6 billion gourdes, or 8%, in the collection of taxes for the benefit of the State.

Furthermore, in the interests of transparency, accountability and political ethics, the Head of Government urged all ministers to declare their assets.

Finally, the Council also adopted the measure reminding businesses to meet their tax obligations and individuals to declare their income to the DGI.

HL/ S/ HaitiLibre