Dr. John J. Swift, from the Anti-Drug Strategy Unit of the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) talks about the main priorities of the ONDCP and the Government of Antigua & Barbuda regarding drugs policy, at this time when the country is moving towards the legalization of the regulated production and supply of marijuana for medical and religious purposes.

The National Service for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Drug and Alcohol Consumption (SENDA) of Chile is one of the most recognized drug policy agencies in Latin America and as such, its contribution is of great importance in the framework of COPOLAD, in which it actively participates, also, leading studies and key actions during this stage. On the occasion of the appointment of its new National Director, we review its role in COPOLAD and the future prospects from now on.

The National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA), and under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs has the mandate to achieve the drug demand reduction in schools and the wider community. The Organisation is managed by a Board of Directors and a team of trained staff who coordinates and implements specific programmes and projects for various target audiences in Barbados, of which we talk to Mrs. Betty Hunte, Manager.

Saint Lucia is one of the Caribbean countries which is incorporated to the second phase of the COPOLAD programme, actively participating in many of its activities. We review the work done during these months with the Coordinator of the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat (SAACS), Charmaine Hippolyte.

From Honduras, the Deputy Commissioner Ever Danilo Mejía Mejía, National Deputy Manager of Research and Intelligence (DNII),  and Executive Secretary for Counternarcotics, talks on the drugs policy in his country, both from the drug supply and demand reduction, and also takes a stock of their participation in the COPOLAD Programme up to date.