By Josefina Arce

Zero tolerance against drug trafficking is Cuba's policy, which maintains an active vigilance in its air and sea borders to prevent the entry, sale and consumption in the national territory of these harmful substances, which worldwide constitute a problem for health services.

Although the country does not represent an important market for drug traffickers, authorities have pointed out that in recent times there has been an increase in attempts to bring these illicit substances into the Caribbean nation.

Juan Carlos Poey Guerra, head of the Anti-Drug Directorate of the Technical Directorate of Investigations of the Ministry of the Interior, said that this year about 2,000 kilograms of drugs were seized.

In the television program "Mesa Redonda", Poey Guerra pointed out that the main danger for the entry of drugs into the country continues to be the landing on our coasts.

Cuban authorities also keep a close watch on airports and ports, and in view of the increasingly sophisticated methods used by drug traffickers, they are encouraging greater training of customs officers and members of the intelligence corps dedicated to combating drug trafficking.

For this reason, next year a law degree with a customs profile will be introduced in higher education to further strengthen supervision.

But the authorities also pay special attention to this problem from the health point of view. The country has a National Addiction Prevention and Control Program.

In addition, there is a Telephone Counseling Service, confidential, anonymous and free of charge, which operates 24 hours a day. It has qualified personnel to provide guidance and psychological support.

In the health system, from the community doctor and nurse, to polyclinics and hospitals provide care to people with possible addictions, and work for their full reintegration into society.

Educational campaigns are also carried out through the media on the health risks posed by this type of substances, and others such as alcohol and tobacco, which can pave the way.

Likewise, specialists carry out talks in educational centers, since young people are a highly vulnerable sector.

In Cuba, drug use is not a high-incidence social and health problem; however, the authorities do not neglect vigilance to prevent its entry into the country, while developing educational, preventive and treatment and rehabilitation actions for those who require it.