There is a renewed appeal for countries in the Americas to tackle the issue of drug trans-shipment and its societal impacts. This call comes from Lieutenant Colonel Edward Croft, the newly appointed chair of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), which serves as the advisory body on drug issues for the Organization of American States (OAS).

Lieutenant Colonel Croft, who also directs the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy, emphasized the importance of increased collaboration among OAS member states. Antigua and Barbuda will lead the working group focused on reviewing the hemispheric strategy and updating its action plan, while also supporting the work program proposed by CICAD’s executive secretariat.

Antigua and Barbuda has made history as the first OAS country to chair the commission, having been elected during CICAD’s 76th regular session in Washington, D.C., this week. Lieutenant Colonel Croft will hold the chair position for a year.