Cuba developed a National Drug Observatory (OND) for collecting evidence to help design policies to reduce demand and control the supply of narcotics.

Havana, Cuba.- The center will also provide Cuban users with information on drug-related services' organization and data on issues of general interest related to this problem.

According to the Vice Minister of Justice, Pilar Varona, “Cuba has the conditions to create the Observatory, which would be the tool to articulate, evaluate, investigate and monitor the specific situation of the country, in addition to focusing information on the evolution of behaviors, not only in Cuba but also in the region and worldwide.”

Varona explained to Granma newspaper that the implementation of the initiative was planned for 2025 after the first workshop to approach the experiences of the observatories in the region and the Early Warning Systems. She said the second workshop, which was held this week, provided better staff training, focusing on technical assistance and forensic laboratories.

The vice minister pointed out that the OND is expected to be officially inaugurated next July and stressed that one of the center’s objectives is to implement an Early Warning System to make timely decisions and be more effective.

In the fight against illicit drug trafficking, Cuba maintains a zero-tolerance policy and rigorously and severely applies its legislation in this regard. (PL)