PM Browne Threatens to Disband ONDCP Over Performance Concerns

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned that the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) could be disbanded if the agency fails to improve its performance and demonstrate its relevance to Antigua and Barbuda.

Browne issued the warning directly to ONDCP Director Lieutenant Colonel Edward Croft during a recent meeting with the heads of the country’s law-enforcement and national-security agencies.

“As far as I’m concerned, ONDCP in particular is becoming an irrelevant institution, and you now need to show your relevance to the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister also took issue with what he described as a half-day working arrangement at the agency, saying such a practice was inappropriate for an organisation tasked with serious law-enforcement responsibilities.

“Your team at ONDCP, they need to step up,” Browne said. “This idea that they’re working half a day, that is totally inappropriate for a law-enforcement entity.”

He then delivered a direct ultimatum to Croft.

“If you do not get your act together, I’m going to disband the ONDCP,” Browne said.

The warning places renewed attention on the operations of an agency that plays a key role in Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts to combat serious financial and organised crime.

Established as an independent law-enforcement agency under the ONDCP Act of 2003, the organisation also serves as the country’s national Financial Intelligence Unit.

Its mandate extends beyond drug enforcement and includes investigations into drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud and the financing of terrorism.

Through its Financial Intelligence Unit, the ONDCP receives and analyses suspicious-activity reports submitted by financial institutions and other entities. The agency also has responsibilities relating to compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements.

Browne’s comments signal that the agency could face significant changes if the government does not see improvements in its operations and overall effectiveness.