In a push to enhance its fight against serious crimes, the Jamaican Senate has approved an expansion of the powers granted to the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA). This decision comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to bolster national security and crack down on organised criminal networks.
The approval follows the introduction of the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (Amendment of First Schedule) Order, brought to the Senate by Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. The amendment expands MOCA’s jurisdiction, enabling the agency to investigate a broader range of offences tied to organised crime and corruption.
Senator Johnson Smith described MOCA as an essential force in the fight against organised crime in Jamaica. The newly passed legislation will expand the scope of crimes MOCA can address, incorporating offenses from a wide range of legal frameworks, such as the Larceny Act, Forgery Act, and newer laws like the Road Traffic Act and Firearms Prohibition Act. This wider mandate aims to equip the agency with the necessary tools to effectively disrupt criminal operations across multiple sectors.
The order also allows MOCA to tackle common law offenses such as conspiracy, public office misconduct, and other serious crimes that threaten Jamaica’s stability.
In recent years, MOCA has made notable strides in law enforcement. With nearly 100 operations since 2020, the agency has played a critical role in dismantling organised crime rings. Senator Johnson Smith reinforced the government’s commitment to supporting MOCA’s work by continuously revisiting and strengthening the laws that guide its efforts.
The expansion of MOCA’s powers marks another step in Jamaica’s broader strategy to create a safer, more secure environment for its citizens while targeting those who seek to undermine the country’s rule of law.
