00:00It is in fact a very good option. Several countries have tried that, even including the Dominican Republic right here in the Caribbean region. And what it does in essence is that it gives law enforcement agencies wider powers and wider discretion.
00:18Dr. Cipersad says categorizing gang leaders as terrorists would allow law enforcement greater power to detain and prosecute those involved in organized crime.
00:29In terms even of deportation, so if there are cases where foreign gangs, including Venezuelan gangs or suspected gang members are coming in, you could deport them or you could even block them from ports of entry. It provides for enhanced surveillance as well in terms of wiretapping and other kinds of electronic surveillance. It also allows you to prosecute gangs, you know, with stronger penalties.
00:58While Dr. Cipersad notes that consultation will be required before such a classification can be implemented, he maintains the move could significantly strengthen the legal response to gang activity.
01:12Seizure of money and assets, which is part of the anti-terrorism legislation, is something that is also important and I think key because what it means is that if persons belong to gangs, you can seize assets.
01:26You can seize property, financial assets, etc., regardless of whether it is situated locally or even internationally in a bank, you can seize those assets and it is entirely possible that those assets themselves can then be put into the fight against crime.
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