The Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) in partnership with the
Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) hosted a two-day consultation on 27 th and 28 th
August, which focused on the development of a comprehensive National Anti-Drug Strategy Policy
(2024-2028) aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by drug use and its associated harms.
This policy marks a significant step towards systematic efforts to safeguarding public health, enhancing
community safety, and promoting social well-being through drug reduction efforts.

CICAD Representatives Dr. Elisabet Arribas and Ms. Esther Best (seated center) among stakeholders in
the Development of the National Anti-Drug Strategy Policy (2024-2028)

The development of the National Anti-Drug Strategy Policy is a strategic and collaborative process
involving key stakeholders. The participants at the session included healthcare professionals, law
enforcement agencies, social transformation personnel, representatives from the judiciary and foreign
affairs, the Medical Cannabis Authority, Civil Society, gender and the education system.

The content of the Policy is built on five thematic areas to include: Supply Reduction and Control
Measures, Demand Reduction, International Cooperation, Institutional Strengthening, and Research,
Monitoring and Evaluation. This approach ensures that the policy is comprehensive and reflects the

diverse perspectives and needs of each participating agency to counter trends of drug use, trafficking,
access, and drug related crime.

The CICAD representatives praised Antigua and Barbuda for the swift and comprehensive evaluation of
the previous National Anti-Drug Strategy Plan (2019-2023), which was undertaken earlier this year, and
also recognized the country for its prompt development of the new National Anti-Drug Strategy Policy.