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UNODC presents "World Drug Report 2017"

On Monday, June 26 th, 2017, "International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking", the Regional United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Central America and the Caribbean (UNODC - ROPAN), launched its twentieth edition of the World Drug Report; doing so in close cooperation with the Ministry of Security. The setting for this event was the National Police's Conference Room in Ancón.

Mr. Omar Pinzón, Director General of the National Police, inaugurated the event, followed by Mr. Amado Philip de Andrés, Regional Representative for UNODC - ROPAN, who then proceeded to present said Report before bestowing the floor to Mr. Aarón Pérez, Secretary-General, Ministry of Public Security. The event brought together multiple institutions, diplomatic representations and other figures, such as Mr. Rafael Pino, Governor of the Province of Panama.

The 2017 World Drug Report provides a global overview of the supply and demand of opiates, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine-type stimulants and new psychoactive substances (NPS), as well as their impact on health. It highlights the scientific evidence for hepatitis C causing greatest harm among people who use drugs; and brings into view further diversification of the thriving drug market, as well as changing business models for drug trafficking and organized crime.

On the one hand, Mr. Omar Pinzón highlighted the importance of continuing to develop a joint, global effort from all institutions committed to the fight against drug trafficking.

On the other hand, Mr. Aarón Pérez affirmed that the drug problem occupies a very preeminent position in the National Government agenda. He recognized the efforts done during 2016 and 2017, which resulted in very satisfactory, efficient outcomes. He pointed out that 72.2 tons of drugs were seized during the previous year, an unprecedented record in Panama.