§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development in which Caribbean countries her Department is currently providing assistance to combat drug smuggling; and at what estimated cost. [39177]
§ Clare ShortWe are providing assistance to all Caribbean countries, including the Overseas Territories, as part of the Caribbean Drugs Initiative (CDI). This is an EU/UNDCP co-ordinated initiative aimed at combating the drugs trade which involves widely based support for Governments in the region. The Initiative aims to include improved planning at national level, law enforcement, demand reduction, treatment and rehabilitation. This programme is the most ambitious and comprehensive attempt so far to tackle the drugs problem in the region.
My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State announced at the Caribbean Forum in February that we have earmarked £7.5 million as DFID's contribution to the Caribbean Drugs Initiative (CDI). This will be used to help build capacity at the local level in police and customs in some of the more vulnerable Eastern Caribbean countries.