Douglas revealed that local security forces have seized cocaine with a street value of EC$500,000; cured marijuana with a street value of some EC$12 million and marijuana plants with a street value of some EC$42 million.

The government leader, who also has responsibility for the security forces, added that they are seriously expanding their drug interdiction and detection capabilities. He said, at the same time, the country’s judicial branches have unveiled a prosecution code and established a prosecution unit in order to ensure that prosecutors adhere to the highest ethical care and other standards, in all cases.

Douglas therefore felt it was necessary to not only thank the legal and judicial luminaries working within the St. Kitts & Nevis jurisdiction, but he also thanked the United States Government, through its embassy in Barbados, and the United Kingdom’s Government, through the High Commission’s office in Barbados; both of whom collaborated and provided financial and human resources that made it possible for the prosecution code and the prosecution unit to be established here in St. Kitts and Nevis.

When asked if he thought consideration should be given to the possibilities of decriminalizing drugs, the St. Kitts and Nevis leader gave emphatic thumbs down to the suggestion, indicating the he would never consider removing the legal restrictions on such drugs. Douglas said that would never happen under his watch in government.

He expressed the opinion that drugs and guns are linked together, adding that legalizing those drugs will give young people the idea that using them is safe not knowing the implications they present.