NCJ Number
202387
Date Published
March 2003
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This report presents information and data on drug consumption, as well as an overview of the drug situation and trends in the Bahamas in 2001.
Abstract
This 2001 annual report represents the Bahamas attempt and need for a national drug information network which is supported by personnel involved in the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of drug-related information with the formulation of the Bahamas Drug Information Network. Information is provided on the drug consumption in the Bahamas and an overview of the drug situation and trends which includes a synopsis of illicit supply and control of drugs, drug use and abuse, treatment and rehabilitation, morbidity and mortality, and specific drugs which include cocaine, marijuana, and other drugs. The drug situation in the Bahamas is summarized by the following: (1) supply reduction efforts continue to be effective with significant seizures and corresponding arrests; (2) cocaine seizures have decreased; (3) the trafficking of marijuana is on the rise; (4) positive results are occurring with the passing of new laws on money laundering and asset seizure; (5) approximately three-fourths (78 percent) of all arrests were due to the possession of marijuana; (6) the number of drug convictions in the 2001 calendar year was very small when compared to the number of charges brought; and (7) cocaine use for 2001 remains at previous levels with problems driven primarily by chronic abusers of crack. Recommendations highlighting the need for the establishment and continued development of a National Drug Information Network include: (1) to oversee the collection and processing of drug-related information; (2) the evaluations of programs to determine if goals and objectives are being met; and (3) to conduct prevalence studies. Tables, figures, and references