Move to beef up port security in region

The United States’ Department of State has signed a partnership agreement with PortMiami aimed at helping to enhance port security in the Caribbean.
As enforcement pressures increase against drug traffickers in Mexico and Central America, William R. Brownfield, assistant Secretary of State for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs, said on Wednesday that it is logical that criminals will try to resurrect old drug routes through the Caribbean.
He, therefore, urged regional governments to begin preparation to combat the threat.
Brownfield said his goal is to build partnerships and relationships now, so that as “the inevitable laws of market economics” come into play in 2014 to 2016 with traffickers seeking the paths of least resistance, “we’re not caught with our pants down.’’ (CMC)