US State Department acknowledges Cuba anti-drug policy and results

HAVANA, Cuba, Mar 21 (acn) In its annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report the US State Department admitted that despite Cuba´s geographical position between main illegal drug producers in the hemisphere and the US market, the island is not significant consumer, producer or transit point for illicit narcotics.

The report, dated March 2015, adds that the production and consumption of drugs in Cuba continue to be low due to active surveillance, strict sentences and national prevention and education programs. "Cuba concentrates supply reduction efforts by preventing smuggling through territorial waters, rapidly collecting wash-ups, and conducting thorough airport searches. Cuba dedicates significant resources to prevent illegal drugs and their use from spreading, and regional traffickers typically avoid Cuba."

As to bilateral counterdrug cooperation with the United States, the State Department reports notes that "...The USCG and Cuban authorities share tactical information related to vessels transiting Cuban territorial waters suspected of trafficking and coordinate responses. Cuba also shares real-time tactical information with The Bahamas, Mexico, and Jamaica. Bilateral cooperation in 2014 led to multiple interdictions; Cuban cooperation with USCG led to the seizure of over 385 kg of marijuana and the arrest of three smugglers in an April event, as well as enabling TGF officials to recover 305 kg of jettisoned contraband in an August operation."

"The United States and Cuba held technical discussions on counternarcotics in April 2014, during which current information on trends and enforcement procedures were shared. Enhanced communication and cooperation between the United States, international partners, and Cuba, particularly in terms of real-time information-sharing, would likely lead to increased interdictions and disruptions of illegal drug trafficking."

Read the full State Department Report at: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/239560.pdf