NCJ Number
202321
Date Published
June 2003
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This report provides an overview of illicit drug consumption, drug trafficking, drug control, drug abuse prevention, and drug treatment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with attention to progress in the establishment of a National Drug Information Network.
Abstract
Data on the scale of illicit drug use in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are inadequate, and accurate information on drug abuse patterns and trends is limited, largely because there is currently no systematic procedure or network for collecting and analyzing drug use and trafficking patterns. The first Network Meeting to discuss with stakeholders the importance of capacity building activities was held on November 28, 2002. The meeting's objective was to begin the process of exchanging drug-related information and data, with the long-term goal of establishing a National Drug Information Network. This interactive network has been formed and is called DINSAG- Drug Information Network, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It consists of professionals with access to existing data on drug use and supply in the country. The goal of the Network is to improve recording, exchange, and comparability of data among agencies. The most recent drug-use surveys conducted in the country suggest that among youth the preferred drug is alcohol, followed by marijuana. Most of the drug arrests are for marijuana use. The number of cannabis plants destroyed in the country almost doubled from 2001 to 2002; whereas, the seizures of cocaine and cocaine rock decreased significantly. The number of drug abusers admitted to the Mental Health Centre has increased annually over the period of 1997-2002. For those receiving drug treatment, the substance most often abused is marijuana, followed by alcohol. This report recommends the creation of a National Drug Council to coordinate the activities of an approved National Anti-Drug Plan. The National Drug Information Network would work with the Drug Council and other data collection agencies. 14 tables and 13 references