Several hotel workers in the western part of the island were recently dismissed from their jobs, after reportedly being caught on video helping tourists to source ganja and even cocaine.

The number of workers involved was not disclosed but they were employed to at least three prominent hotels in St James and Westmoreland.

The dismissals are said to have occurred between last Wednesday and Thursday evening.

The police source who told THE WEEKEND STAR about the occurrence said investigations were still ongoing and as such requested anonymity and did not disclose all details about the incidents.

The senior cop who is attached to the Area One police, however, explained that the hotel workers were caught on video tape helping tourists to acquire the illegal drugs.

According to the reliable source, the workers were seen talking with tourists before leaving and returning with the desired drugs.

hotel policies

The tapes were then said to have been handed over to hotel managers who reportedly played the tapes to those who were seen, and they were subsequently dismissed from their jobs as their behaviour is against hotel policies.

"This was done by the police and hotel officials in an effort to clampdown on the use of illicit drugs by tourists," the officer told THE WEEKEND STAR. "We have to work together to protect the image of the island."

When contacted, Minister of Tourism, Ed Bartlett, after saying he was unaware of this particular incident, said there was a concerted effort being made to clean up the hotel sector and catch crooked employees. He admitted the effort also involved sting operations.

He said, " I know that there is a lot of effort being made to keep our hotels clean. Steps are being taken to catch them and deal with them. So I wouldn't be surprised if that happened, because everyone is determined to clean up the industry." He also said a lot of hotels had sting operations using 'mystery shoppers', in order to combat illegal activity.

When contacted by THE WEEKEND STAR, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Wayne Cummings, said it was no secret that many visitors to the island think that the country is synonymous with marijuana and will therefore seek ways to get it.

He said in order to prevent incidents such as the ones last week, the hotels have to invest in training their workers. He said, "We have to build great values in our business, even though we know that some people have a get rich-quick attitude. But people need to have a clear sense of value and know that they are there to work and nothing else."