Strict implementation of drug master plan needed to eradicate drug trafficking – NANA Director

– says community, civil society must also get involved

With Guyana considered a drug transhipment point in South America, only the strict implementation of the Drug Strategy Master Plan will suffice to eradicate the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking in Guyana.

This was emphasised by Director of the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA), retired Major General Michael Atherly during the opening of Guyana’s first specialised drug rehabilitation court. According to Atherly, many factors, including those outside of Guyana, can help to explain Guyana’s drug problem.
“National considerations also take into account several international deliberations, including treaties, strategies and best practices. Guyana is located within the hub of the transhipment routes for cocaine-producing countries in South and Central America to the North American and European markets.”
“Drug cartels operating there seem to feel that profits gained from these markets overshadow the risks associated with production and trafficking. Accordingly, Guyana is not spared the distressing consequences of this problem. The drug problem must, therefore, be countered relentlessly.”

Atherly emphasised the need for all stakeholders, including communities, civil society, and the Private Sector, to be involved in eradicating the drug scourge. In addition, he cited the master plan, which the Government launched back in 2016.
“The National Anti-Narcotics Agency believes that strong anti-narcotic efforts and demand reduction measures can and must go hand in hand with policies focused on rehabilitation and reintegration of drug users into society, in full respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and human dignity.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to reemphasise the need for vigorous implementation of the National Drug Strategy Master Plan. This plan is aimed at guiding and monitoring the actions of Government departments and their stakeholders, to reduce the demand for and supply of drugs, as well as the resulting harm from their abuse.”
Earlier this year, a United States (US) State Department report had declared that while Guyana has a comprehensive drug demand reduction strategy, the use of drugs like marijuana and even cocaine is a growing problem.
This information is contained in the 2019 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, which has a section dedicated to Guyana’s profile. Notwithstanding the trafficking, the report noted that the actual consumption of these drugs is a growing problem.
According to the report, marijuana is the most commonly used drug. The document also noted reported seizures of synthetic drugs like Methylene-dioxyamphetamine (MDMA), most commonly known as “ecstasy”, and detailed Government’s response to the scourge.
“The Government of Guyana’s National Drug Abuse Control Unit trains public health officers, teachers, social workers, and civil society groups as part of the Government’s supply reduction strategy,” the report states.
“The Guyanese Government has a drug enforcement presence at its international airports, post offices, and to a lesser extent at seaport and land-border entry points. Control agencies reported several interdiction efforts and drug-related seizures and convictions during the first nine months of 2018”, the report details.
The report also noted that during the first nine months of 2018, authorities seized 164.9 kilograms of cocaine and 889 kilograms of cannabis. It also states that local authorities initiated 358 prosecutions and convicted 24 individuals for drug trafficking.
The report expressed faith in Guyana’s demand reduction strategy, noting that it adequately addresses drug rehabilitation. It named the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Social Protection as the relevant Ministries responsible for addressing demand reduction.
“Non-governmental organisations also offer rehabilitation services, with the Government providing financial assistance. The Georgetown Public Hospital provides free rehabilitation services for drug users. The University of Guyana has a demand reduction curriculum in place through OAS/CICAD funding.”
“The Government of Guyana conducts anti-drug awareness sessions in secondary schools, and has plans to create drug treatment courts. As part of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), the United States supports Guyana through targeted training for law enforcement and maritime officers,” the report had declared.
Being positioned on the South American continent with strong ties to the Caribbean region, Guyana has long been identified as a transhipment point for drug trafficking activities. It was against this backdrop that the US established an office of its Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) here back in February 2016.