Antigua and Barbuda Rejects Claims of State Involvement in Narcotics Trafficking

Security Agencies Reject Drug Trafficking Claims, Reaffirm Antigua and Barbuda’s Low-Risk Status

Antigua and Barbuda’s security agencies on Wednesday rejected allegations circulating in regional media and on social platforms that the country or its officials are linked to narcotics trafficking routes, saying there is no credible intelligence or evidence to support such claims.

Speaking at a press conference, Edward Croft, head of the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP), delivered a joint statement on behalf of the country’s security agencies, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding national and regional security.

Croft said recent commentary suggesting that Antigua and Barbuda or its political leadership is involved in regional drug trafficking networks is not supported by any official findings, investigations, or intelligence assessments .

“As the professional heads of the agencies responsible for national security and law enforcement, we state unequivocally that Antigua and Barbuda has worked vigorously and consistently to counter narcotics trafficking,” Croft said, adding that this effort is reflected in independent international assessments classifying the country as a low-risk jurisdiction .

He noted that Antigua and Barbuda has undergone detailed peer review under the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force and is not listed among jurisdictions identified by the Financial Action Task Force as having strategic deficiencies requiring enhanced monitoring .

Croft said regional and international bodies have also recognized the country’s performance, including evaluations noting effective inter-agency cooperation, intelligence-led investigations, and participation in joint operations aimed at dismantling organized criminal networks .

While acknowledging that drug trafficking, fraud, and firearms-related crime remain ongoing concerns, Croft said allegations are assessed on their merits and pursued when evidence meets the required threshold. “Where evidence exists, investigations are pursued and arrests are made. The law guides our actions,” he said .

He said the National Security Council, chaired by the prime minister, has given clear and documented direction that the country must never be used directly or indirectly as a corridor for narcotics trafficking. Under that policy, security agencies are required to share intelligence fully, cooperate with international partners, and take enforcement action without regard to status or position .

Croft outlined ongoing operations including maritime surveillance and interdiction, financial investigations targeting illicit proceeds, and active cooperation with partners in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the European Union and regional counterparts .

He urged members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious activity, assuring citizens that law enforcement, border control agencies and the Defence Force remain fully engaged in protecting the country’s borders, financial systems and national security .

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