The Adverse Effects of Cannabis Cultivation, Trafficking and…

Cette présentation examine les effets néfastes de la culture, du trafic et de la consommation de cannabis au Cameroun. Elle souligne que la culture alimente un marché criminel et une économie informelle, tandis que la consommation est liée à la violence. Le document présente les mesures structurelles et d'urgence prises par les forces de l'ordre pour lutter contre ce fléau, notamment la destruction des plantations et l'application de la loi de 1997 sur les stupéfiants.

SECOND PRESENTATION

By ABENA Armand, Chief Superintendent of Police (DPJ/DGSN)

INTRODUCTION

Cannabis is a psychotropic natural plant which has a disruptive effect on the functioning of the central nervous system. This effect gives cannabis consumers the feeling of having attained some sort of artificial paradise, or a feeling of strength, invincibility or boldness. This feeling of superiority is the principal cause of domestic violence by drug addicts (elders, siblings, friends ...).

The effects of cannabis cultivation, trafficking and consumption are three-fold:

The cultivation of cannabis gives rise to a criminal and illegal trafficking market which it feeds and sustains over time;
Cannabis cultivation also creates an informal criminal economy which involves farmers who want to increase their revenue, wholesalers and semi-wholesalers who sell the goods across the national territory, retailers and at the end of the chain, consumers;
Cannabis consumption is irremediably linked to violent crime (blood).

It is these observations that shape and justify Government’s anti-drug policy (strict prohibition). Despite the easy availability of cannabis on the Cameroonian market, it is classified as a high-risk drug (Table I) by the 1997 Cameroon law, which imposes severe criminal penalties on the use of such drugs, that is, penalties which are imposed according to crime or tort.

Government’s commitment to intensify the fight against cannabis cultivation, trafficking and consumption was seen in the number of tough measures taken by the Forces of Law and Order to combat this scourge.

DETAILED PLAN

I- The adverse effects of cannabis cultivation and consumption

A. Adverse effects of the cultivation and trafficking of the cannabis plant

The cultivation of cannabis gives rise to an illegal trafficking market which it feeds and perpetuates over time.
Cannabis cultivation also creates an informal underground criminal economy which generates a significant amount of unreported, hence untaxed revenue.

B. Adverse effects of cannabis consumption

Cannabis consumption is closely linked to violent crime.

II- Measures to suppress cannabis cultivation, trafficking and consumption

A. Structural measures

The creation of a Sub-Department within the Directorate of the Judicial Police, exclusively responsible for the fight against drug abuse;
The enforcement of Law No. 97-019 of 7 August 1997 on the control of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors.

B. Contingency measures

The systematic destruction of cannabis plantations;
The reinforcement of measures conducted by the Forces of Law and Order.
The use of the controlled delivery technique;
The destruction of intermediary storage areas and final destinations;
The criminal classification of drug-related offences (being investigated by the Police) pertaining to the harshest penalties as provided by law.