Puerto Rico is now the Caribbean s main drug transshipment point. In 1997, island residents were shocked by a U.S. District Court report that found that many elected officials were actively currying the favor of incarcerated gang members in order to court votes among inmates. The report said that violent narcotics gangs were in virtual control of Puerto Rico s 36 prisons, and had the ability to decide who received goods ranging from toothpaste to cocaine. According to the report, a shadow governing body led by the strongest of several competing prison gangs the Asociacion Neta, which dominates the drug trade inside the corrections system had taken control of prison functions from corrections staff. The Rosello government claims the projects have been liberated from drug traffickers.
Critics point to civil rights abuses including unlawful search and seizure and other transgressions.
The policy appears to have reduced crime in some categories, including homicide. Corruption and criminal activity within the police force are continuing concerns.