Speeches 2003

April 1, 2003

Remarks by Ambassador Watt at the International Drug Enforcement Conference

Welcome to the 21st International Drug Enforcement Conference. The illicit drug trade is a threat to all peoples, all societies, all nations. All too often those who take this fight to the criminals are not given enough credit for their work – work that demands physical, moral and political courage. You brave men and women exhibit that courage on a daily basis. It is heartening to see so many who, in the face of long hours, low pay and an extremely dangerous environment, are so truly and deeply dedicated to the goal of ridding our world of the scourge of illicit drugs.

In the past three years, 24 Panamanian police officers have given their lives in the fight against crime. Hundreds of officers from all of our nations give their lives every year. You honor their sacrifice by your commitment to fight the illicit drug trade. I commend you all and applaud your noble efforts.

The illicit drug trade exacts an enormous toll. It drains our economies, it corrupts our governments and civil societies, and it takes lives. In the face of these terrible consequences, we must take bold steps to honor the rule of law and counter the corrupting influence of drugs with the strength of our shared values, our commitment, and our courage.

The IDEC conferences began in Panama 21 years ago, and Panama’s counter-narcotics efforts have become a model for security cooperation. In my few months here, I have been pleased to see countless reports in the media of seizures of illicit drugs and arrests of suspected drug traffickers.

However, we must still do more. As the single greatest source of illegal revenue, the drug trade has long been the mainstay of violent political insurgencies, rogue regimes, international criminal organizations, and terrorists of every stripe. The heroin that financed the former Taliban regime in Afghanistan and the cocaine that sustains the decades-old insurgency in Colombia are glaring examples of how drug trade money increasingly threatens global peace and stability.

We must also work together to disrupt the market for illicit drugs through intervention at “critical decision points” in the lives of vulnerable populations to prevent both first use and further use of drugs. Programs such as DARE stop the drug trade where it starts – with the user.

All of us here are 21st century partners. in this fight. We pledge to continue to work with you, dedicated to the betterment of all our countries and to the protection of all our peoples against international crime and drugs.