PHILIPSBURG:--- Chief of the KPSM Carl John attended the International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) which was held in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic from May 15th through May 19th, 2017. This conference was attended by over two hundred participants from 110 different countries.
The conference was organized by the Dominican Republic's National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) and the US Drug Enforcement Administration. The conference was mainly to enable participants to analyze global trends in illicit drug trafficking and to promote cooperation and information exchange with the focus on combating such crimes.
The island of Sint Maarten as are many other islands in the Caribbean used as drugs trans- shipment hub for illicit drugs to the mainland of the United States and other countries in other parts of the world.
Also as one of the main topics was discussed the illegal manufacturing and use of the synthetic drug called “Fentalyn”. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.
Non-pharmaceutical Fentanyl is sold in the following forms: as a powder; spiked on blotter paper; mixed with or substituted for heroin; or as tablets that mimic other, less potent opioids.
Fentanyl works by binding to the body's opioid receptors, which are found in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. Its effects include euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, constipation, sedation, tolerance, addiction, respiratory depression and arrest, unconsciousness, coma, and death. The high potency of Fentanyl greatly increases the risk of overdose, especially if a person who uses drugs is unaware that a powder or pill contains Fentanyl.
Three of these illegal labs were discovered in the Dominican Republic. Noting how close the Dominican Republic and Sint Maarten are to each other, the community of Sint Maarten should take good note of this information and be aware of the consequences of this illegal drugs.
The Drugs Enforcement Administration will introduce an awareness campaign within the near future regarding the production and use of illicit drugs on Sint Maarten.
KPSM Press Release
Police Chief attends IDEC-conference
