Vienna, Austria — Antigua and Barbuda participated at the 68th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) held in Vienna from March 10 to 14, 2025. Lt. Col. Edward H. Croft, Director of the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP), participated on behalf of the Government and also as Chair of the OAS Inter American Drug Control Commission, (CICAD).

Lt. Col. Croft contributed to the Main Plenary Session, reaffirming the country’s commitment to global drug control efforts and the implementation of the 2019 Ministerial Declaration. He highlighted the nation’s proactive measures in combatting drug trafficking, substance use, gun violence, and organized crime, while also calling attention to the evolving threat of synthetic drugs, such as fentanyl and new psychoactive substances.

See link of remarks at the UN Plenary:-
UN Plenary

In addition to his plenary intervention, he was invited to speak at a high-level side event hosted by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD/OAS). His presentation, titled “Treatment of Substance Use Disorders in Women in the Americas,” addressed the need for gender-sensitive and trauma-informed approaches to drug treatment. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, targeted psychosocial support, and policy reforms that consider the unique challenges faced by women with substance use disorders.

The participation of Antigua and Barbuda at the CND reflects the nation’s dedication to strengthening its national drug strategy while contributing meaningfully to international dialogue on public health, human rights, and security.