US President Joe Biden and representatives from 24 other nations during the Global Coalition Leaders’ Summit against Synthetic Drugs chose President Luis Abinader to lead for the Caribbean the initiative aimed at combating synthetic drug trafficking. Belgium was designated to lead the European initiative. The invitation to both Abinader and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo places these at the forefront of discussions and new actions.
President Abinader attended along with US President Biden and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni the meeting in New York City for the sharing of experiences in the fight against drug trafficking at the Intercontinental NY Barclay Hotel. Fentanyl is the No.1 killer of Americans aged 18 to 49 years.
“The threat of illicit synthetic drug trafficking knows no borders; alongside our armed forces, the Dominican Republic has developed a modern national strategy to combat these drugs,” Abinader stated.
The National Drug Control Agency last year set up a special unit to combat synthetic drugs. As of yet, synthetic drugs are not a major issue in the Dominican Republic, but the effort seeks to prevent this.
During his address, Abinader highlighted significant advancements made by his administration in tackling drug smuggling. He noted that, over the past four years, the average annual amount of drugs seized by authorities is “eight times” higher than the annual average recorded in the 15 years before his presidency. From 2020 to 2024, the Dominican Republic confiscated a staggering 148,826 tons of drugs, averaging 38,150 tons annually compared to just 4,846 tons per year before his administration.
Abinader expressed gratitude for the support received from the United States and Mexico, which has included equipment and technical assistance, as well as collaboration on joint operations. He cited a recent joint operation that dismantled a significant international synthetic drug cartel as evidence of their effective preventative measures.
The President also discussed ongoing evaluations of security protocols at airports and cargo ports, acknowledging that while results have been promising, continued investment in these infrastructures is essential to further combat the issue and pursue those involved in drug trafficking.
Speaking at the anti-synthetic drugs coalition meeting, US President Biden stated:
“I also want to thank the leaders here who are stepping up and launching new initiatives today to advance coalition efforts all across three key — key areas. First, disrupting supply chain, including production and distribution of illicit — of illicit drugs. Secondly, detecting emerging drug threats and increasing information sharing across all our countries. And thirdly, preventing more deaths by treating more people through public health interventions, increased access to lifesaving medications.
“Together, through this coalition, I believe we can do just that. We can disrupt the cycle of violence and instability that drug cr- — traffickers create. We can get our people the care they need and deserve. We can save lives, but only — but only if we come together and work together. The choice is ours.“
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Antony Blinken at the Global Initiative
25 September 2024