DRUG REPORT NOTHING NEW

Rowley On US Revelations:

Trade and Industry Minister Dr Keith Rowley says a recent United
States government report that says the majority of cocaine exported
to this country arrives at the nation's sea ports is "nothing new".

"I'm not in a position to speak on this matter as you may have
wanted. That is a matter of national security. I am not too familiar
with the United States report and its assessment of this ongoing
problem," Rowley said.

He added, "Every year we get a report like that. It's never
different. There's nothing new there."

In doing so during Thursday's post-Cabinet news conference at
Whitehall, Port of Spain, however, Rowley said the Trade and Industry
Ministry is always concerned about anything that affects the nation's
import and export operations.

Rowley made the comment in response to questions on the United States
Department of State International Narcotics Control Strategy Report
2008, which said he majority of the cocaine exported to this country
arrives at the nation's sea ports via commercial and sailing vessels,
in addition to small fishing vessels.

Asked specifically about the State Department's recommendations that
container scanners be implemented at the nation's sea ports to assist
in the war on illegal drugs, Rowley said, "The port does not fall
under the Ministry of Trade, but we have an interest in that anything
that puts trade at a disadvantage would be negative for us, whether
it is contraband, whether it is corrupt customs officials, whether it
is drug mules, drug transhipment."

He said anything that interferes with the nation's "ability to export
without hassle or to import without risk would be of concern to us at
the Ministry of Trade".

"So in so far as the report points that out, if that's what the
report says we will have an interest in ensuring in one thing the
relevant authorities to be cognisant of what is being said and to
adjust and put an end to that kind of practice," Rowley said.