Counter-narcotics performance in Suriname improves

Caribbean Net News: Counter-narcotics performance in Suriname improves

Counter-narcotics performance in Suriname improves

03-06-2006

by Ivan Cairo
Caribbean Net News Suriname Correspondent
Email: ivan@caribbeannetnews.com

PARAMARIBO, Suriname: According to the 2006 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report issued by the US State Department, Suriname�s counter-narcotics performance improved significantly in 2005.

The report also advised the government to target large cocaine smugglers and dismantle organized operations rather than focus upon body carriers to reduce drug trafficking.

In efforts to encourage Suriname to sign and ratify the Caribbean Regional Maritime Agreement, the US urged the government to focus on port security, specifically seaports, which are seen as the primary conduits for large shipments of narcotics exiting Suriname.

The DEA intends to intensify its cooperation with Surinamese law enforcement in 2006 by establishing an office in Suriname and continue to provide equipment, training, and technical support to the Suriname government to strengthen counter-narcotics efforts.

In 2005 Surinamese law enforcement personnel intercepted several major cocaine shipments and many organized drug operations were also dismantled. To publicly reinforce the government�s anti-drug sentiment, harsh sentences were issued in high-profile drug-related cases.

Last year the police seized 1,507 kilograms of cocaine and 169 kilograms of marijuana. A total of 734 people were arrested for drug-related offenses and almost one-quarter of those arrests (178) occurred at the international airport, after persons ingested cocaine with intent to transport.

Last Thursday several Members of Parliament expressed concern about the ongoing abuse of Surinamese passengers by Dutch law enforcement at Schiphol Airport, Netherlands.

Since December 2004 all flights originating in Suriname are thoroughly inspected upon arrival to Schiphol Airport and Dutch law enforcement officers have been accused of conducting a disproportionately high rate of individual inspections on Surinamese passengers.

Numerous complaints resulted in a stiff diplomatic motion from the Surinamese government to the Netherlands. The legislators demanded immediate termination of the �100 percent inspection� combined with a more aggressive approach to protect Surinamese nationals.

The principle obstacles in Suriname to effective counter-narcotics law enforcement efforts are inadequate resources and limited training for local law enforcement.

In response to these challenges, the US State Department �aims to reduce the trafficking of narcotics in Suriname through a mix of training and material to strengthen the Government of Suriname law enforcement institutions and their capabilities to detect and interdict narcotics trafficking activities.�