T&T introduces National Anti-Drug Plan

National Security Minister Martin Joseph on Friday launched Trinidad and Tobago’s National Anti-Drug Plan, which covers the period up to 2012. The plan is aimed at fighting the twin evils of demand and supply, Joseph said.

Speaking at an event to mark the unveiling of the plan Joseph noted that because of Trinidad and Tobago's geographic location it is considered a prime transshipment location for drugs to Europe and North America.

However he noted that while the country was primarily just a transshipment point the reality today is that the drug trade "has been simultaneously building a cadre of couriers and persons who are dependent on drugs", although he said that is not unique to Trinidad and Tobago.

He said there is also a significant increase in the number of firearms in the country, which he said accompany the drugs and "linger in our country" long after the drugs are gone.

Joseph said drug use in Trinidad and Tobago has been increasing since the 1980s with cocaine and marijuana as the main illicit drugs. He said that adds to the crime problem which poses a critical challenge to the country's develeopment.

The plan is aimed at reducing the harmful effects of illegal drugs on communities and is a critical component to the achievement of the country's “Vision 2020” document, Joseph explained.

It aims at:

• Institutional Strengthening
• Demand Reduction through Prevention, Treatment & Rehabilitation
• Supply Reduction
• Research
• Monitoring and Evaluation

Joseph said a critical part of the action plan is to improve surveillance. In this regard, he said government is buying three Off-Shore Patrol Vessels, six interceptor vessels, six fast patrol Craft and four helicopters to assist the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force in better patrolling the country’s borders and protecting its coastlines.

He said another area of border management involves the introduction of "a more robust" passport system to consolidate the security of the country’s points of entry.

Joseph said the plan represents "a well balanced, comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to a very complex problem with major psycho-social and economic implications."