Pubdate: Tue, 01 Apr 2008
Source: Trinidad Express (Trinidad)
Copyright: 2008 Trinidad Express
Contact:  http://www.trinidadexpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1093
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

DRUG REPORT NOTHING NEW

Rowley On US Revelations:

Trade and Industry Minister Dr Keith Rowley says a  recent United
States government report that says the  majority of cocaine exported
to this country arrives at  the nation's sea ports is "nothing new".

"I'm not in a position to speak on this matter as you  may have
wanted. That is a matter of national security.  I am not too familiar
with the United States report and  its assessment of this ongoing
problem," Rowley said.

He added, "Every year we get a report like that. It's  never
different. There's nothing new there."

In doing so during Thursday's post-Cabinet news  conference at
Whitehall, Port of Spain, however, Rowley  said the Trade and Industry
Ministry is always  concerned about anything that affects the nation's
  import and export operations.

Rowley made the comment in response to questions on the  United States
Department of State International  Narcotics Control Strategy Report
2008, which said he  majority of the cocaine exported to this country
arrives at the nation's sea ports via commercial and  sailing vessels,
in addition to small fishing vessels.

Asked specifically about the State Department's  recommendations that
container scanners be implemented  at the nation's sea ports to assist
in the war on  illegal drugs, Rowley said, "The port does not fall
under the Ministry of Trade, but we have an interest in  that anything
that puts trade at a disadvantage would  be negative for us, whether
it is contraband, whether  it is corrupt customs officials, whether it
is drug  mules, drug transhipment."

He said anything that interferes with the nation's  "ability to export
without hassle or to import without  risk would be of concern to us at
the Ministry of  Trade".

"So in so far as the report points that out, if that's  what the
report says we will have an interest in  ensuring in one thing the
relevant authorities to be  cognisant of what is being said and to
adjust and put  an end to that kind of practice," Rowley said.
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MAP posted-by: Steve Heath