Counter-narcotics shouldn’t pit producer versus consumer or transit countries. The way the traffickers work is in the interconnectedness of the world. It’s a truly global planetary phenomenon.

Given the scope of the problem is it necessary to crack down on the cultivation of cannabis and cocaine. We also need better data to understand the scope of cultivation of illicit crops. At the same time, there in real concern that an enormous amount of money has been spent on projects that may have been better spent elsewhere. For example, money used for eradication that may have been better spent on alternative development.

The speaker also highlighted successful global programmes that can serve as a model for other inter-regional cooperation. Counter-narcotics can be effective, but the means that are selected must be the proper means.