Drug Problem in the Americas

In a new two-part report released by the Organization of American States (OAS), "The Drug Problem in the Americas," the stagnant problem of drug use in the Americas is addressed, along with possible solutions and potential consequences if coordinated and effective action is not taken.

As a precursor to this study, the leaders of OAS agreed in an April 2012 mandate that there is a dire need to "analyze the results of the current policy in the Americas and to explore new approaches to strengthen this struggle and to become more effective." OAS states that the purpose of this report is to uphold that mandate by helping the Heads of State and Government of the Americas "establish a frame of reference to address this problem in their countries and to guide future multilateral policies and actions."

The two parts of this report, the Analytical Report and the Scenario Report, are intended to serve as this frame of reference.

In the ten-chapter Analytical Report, a technical analysis of drug use, production, transit, and trafficking is provided. The study also offers an examination of public policies adopted to address these problems and other issues that arise as a result of drug-related activity, such as public health, illegality, and violence. The Scenario Report provides an analysis of what could happen with drug use in the future based on current trends, potential national responses, and various social, political, and economic dynamics. Four possible scenarios are examined in the document: Together, Pathways, Resilience, and Disruption.

During his presentation of the report, OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza presented four main conclusions on drug use in the Americas: "the problem must be dealt with taking into account each country's different situation; countries with fewer resources…have more difficulty dealing with the impact of drug trafficking; the phenomenon requires a public health approach; and the approach must be multifaceted, flexible…and the countries of the regions must be united in their diversity."

While a few abstract conclusions are made here, OAS maintains that the report is not meant to provide concrete solutions to the Americas' drug problem, but rather to start a long-awaited international discussion.

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