Gov't looking to expand drug treatment courts

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says the Government is looking at expanding drug treatment courts in all parishes.

The specialist courts currently operate in five parishes.

The drug treatment courts provide an alternative to incarceration for drug-dependent offenders where they benefit from treatment and rehabilitation under judicial supervision.

Chuck says expanding the programme will require collaboration with the Health Ministry and support from health practitioners in the private sector.

He argues that the Drug Treatment Programme strikes the right balance between holding individuals accountable and helping them to better themselves.

Chuck was addressing the opening of a three-day regional workshop on drug treatment courts at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Wednesday.