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Eradication activities: Increased INM funding was used to, purchase brush cutters, which made mechanical eradication more efficient. Eradication operations by the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) as part of Operation "Buccaneer III" continued through March, 1987.
Helicopter lease: The Embassy used INM funds to lease two helicopters with crews from a U.S. firm (through mid- March). The mobility provided by these helicopters greatly increased the efficiency of INM-funded eradication activities. In addition, the helicopters moved JCF teams to marijuana cache sites, where large quantities Of marijuana were destroyed before they could be marketed.
A variety of other tasks designed to increase Jamaica's ability to eradicate and interdict marijuana were under- taken. Specific programs include: $800,900 for JDF aircraft parts and maintenance (JDF helicopters are used to increase mobility of eradication teams); $240,000 for maritime parts/patrol/radar (used to increase the quality and intensity of the JDF Coast Guard's interdiction efforts). The JDF has cooperated closely with the U.S. Coast Guard in maritime interdiction operations.
United States Customs Service (USCS) provided Contraband Enforcement Team (CET) training to a mixed team of Jamaica Customs and JCF officers in April (in New Orleans) and in May (in Jamaica). The cost of the training was underwritten by INM. The training emphasized container seaport procedures. The team has already made major seizures. USCS also provided carrier-initiative training to Air Jamaica employees in February. That training was designed to promote better marijuana search and security procedures.
In June, a Narcotics Assistance Unit (NAU) was created to add weight to expanding U.S. anti-narcotics efforts in Jamaica.
INM funded a 10-week training visit by a narcotics- sniffing dog expert from England. He provided extensive training to the JCF's Canine Division and prepared a detailed assessment of Jamaica's Sniffer Dog Program.
JDF/JCF efforts continued in full force until the conclusion of Buccaneer III on March 31. In the April/May period there was a lull in cultivation. Eradication activities resumed on a limited scale
limited scale in June and
in June and are continuing. Prime Minister Seaga announced on December 7, 1986, the government intended to begin backpack spraying of marijuana with the herbicide glyphosate. INM procured all necessary equipment and
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