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INTER-AMERICAN DRUG ABUSE CONTROL COMMISSION

C I C A D

MICRO TRAFFICKING - IMPACTS, TRENDS AND CHALLENGES

SIXTY-THIRD REGULAR SESSION April 25-27, 2018 México D.F., México

OEA/Ser.L/XIV.2.63 CICAD/doc.2392/18 26 April 2018 Original: English

OAS/CICAD SIXTY THIRD REGULAR SESSION.

25-27 APRIL 2018

Trinidad- 4,828 square kilometers

Tobago- 300 square kilometers

Population -1.4 million

Close proximity to South America.

Major transshipment point given its geographical location.

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Brings with it increased crime levels, which affects society

on a microsocial level.

Micro trafficking caters to and cultivates new drug users,

which is retrogressive to society.

Serves as a forerunner to other high impacting crimes such

as violent crimes, macro trafficking, human trafficking etc.

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New drugs markets and DTO’s being established.

DTO’S gaining support from various arms of law

enforcement (corruption).

Nationals from many African countries continue to exploit

the transshipment destinations originating from T&T.

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SECURITY

Micro drug Trafficking has contributed to the formation of

new gangs and territories.

Emergence of “Community Leaders”, who maintain

control of gangs.

Gangs are responsible for most Murders, woundings and

shootings, which continue unabated.

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0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

2015 2016 2017

420

462

495

84 87 86

141 127 118

MURDERS WITHIN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Murders

Drug Related

Gang related

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691

765

1064

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

2015 2016 2017

FIREARM SEIZURES WITHIN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Firearm seizures locally (assorted)8

391.61 365.76

225.61

2540.68

821.06

1155.1

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

2015 2016 2017

NARCOTIC SEIZURES WITHIN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Cocaine seizures locally (kgs)

Marijuana seizures locally (kgs)

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Fear of crime is endemic throughout the communities.

Lack of trust between the police and the public-

(Aggressive encounters/clashes becoming commonplace

as they seek to protect community leaders).

Offenders infiltrating residential communities.

Persons purchasing illegal firearms for protection.

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PUBLIC HEALTH

Increased narcotic users being

recorded, especially among young

adults.

Preliminary research has shown

that the two most prevalent groups

seeking treatment are ages 30-39

and over 50 . 11

15%

30%

21%

35%

Age of Persons Seeking Treatment

20-29 30-39 40-49 50 and over

- Data less forthcoming than urban areas.

- Differences in demographics (age, gender)

- High residential mobility

- Reduced collective efficacy and heightened social disorganization

- Ready supply of young adults to maintain trade of illegal narcotics.

RU

RA

L U

RB

AN

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RURAL vs URBAN

Lines of separation are quickly diminishing.

Restructuring police departments- (Formation of the

Organised Crime and Intelligence Unit).

Police Youth Clubs.

Legislation amendments (Anti Gang, Proceeds of crime etc).

National Drug Council – Preventative and Alternative

Development in Urban Areas.

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The National Drug Council of Trinidad and Tobago, in

the continued development of its Preventative and

Alternative Urban Development Approach, ensures that

the objectives are closely aligned with specific

Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the

UNGASS 2016 Recommendations.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION