House Approves Bill to Set Up MOCA as Independent Body

The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) Act was passed in the House of Representatives recently.

The Bill seeks to establish MOCA as an independent body to fight organised crime in Jamaica, including detecting and investigating crime kingpins and persons who facilitate their activities.

The organisation will be transformed into an elite law-enforcement investigative agency, operating autonomously of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Closing the debate, Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, said MOCA continues to play an invaluable role in the administration of justice in the country.

“Since 2014, they have undertaken some 904 operations and have arrested 1,054 persons. Of that amount, 684 persons have been charged and, so far from those charges, 146 convictions have been handed down, and other cases are ongoing,” he said.

The Minister noted that the establishment of MOCA as an independent body will enhance the country’s crime-fighting efforts.

“MOCA will not be a substitute for the Jamaica Constabulary Force, nor any other law-enforcement agency for that matter. MOCA’s establishment will complement existing law-enforcement agencies and will in no way diminish their powers or authority. We expect that through partnership and cooperation, MOCA will only serve to strengthen our law-enforcement capabilities,” he said.