Bermuda Drug Information Network Report
The Ministry of National Security, through the Department for National Drug Control, has completed the fourth publication of the Annual Report of the Bermuda Drug Information Network [BerDIN].
“This year’s Annual Report provides analysis of a two-year trend [2013 data in comparison to 2014] based on the available data provided by agencies to describe changes over this specified period. The report can be found on Department’s website, www.dndc.gov.bm,” the Ministry said.
“This publication presents national data on the nature and magnitude of use and misuse of legal and illegal substances in the Bermudian society and represents the work of a broad spectrum of agencies and departments engaged in drug prevention, intervention, treatment, counseling, rehabilitation, enforcement, interdiction, and health.
“Drug use is a difficult and complex phenomenon to monitor. This report serves the purpose of providing a comprehensive overview of the current drug situation in Bermuda using multiple sources and indicators, with the intent of providing insight into the different aspects of the drug problem.
“Overall, the BerDIN Annual Report monitors and accounts for local drug-related information from about 30 data providers, covering some 45 drug control areas, and providing measures for over 150 indicators. Since last year, the report has expanded to include four new measures and one new survey. Within the report, data is presented in tables with accompanying narrative overview for each topic.
“Drug use prevalence has remained constant among Bermuda’s residents over the past ten years with alcohol, tobacco [cigarettes], and marijuana being the most commonly used substances amongst the general adult population and youths; while the illegal drugs heroin and cocaine remain drugs of choice for problem drug users.
“The drug market remains ever present as evidenced by the number of persons seeking substance abuse treatment. Since 2014 drug related crime has declined and there were no cases where drug use contributed to the underlying cause of death.
“This annual, national statistical compilation is intended for use by the media, addictions researchers, front-line treatment workers, law enforcement officials, policy-makers, and others dealing with the problems that are caused by substance abuse and is a critical step in making us all more aware of the current drug situation in Bermuda.”
Premier and Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley said today, “The Government is committed to a healthier and safer Bermuda and an interconnected balancing of drug control efforts in both supply and demand reduction.
“Drugs continue to jeopardise the health, safety and welfare of people throughout the world; and Bermuda is no exception, as substance abuse continues to negatively impact our island extensively. Drug use prevention cannot occur unless there is change in our social attitudes toward alcohol and drug misuse.”
“As the Department releases the 2015 Annual Report of the Bermuda Drug Information Network, the DNDC remains committed to the provision of reliable, local, and policy-relevant information.”
The 2015 Annual Report from the Bermuda Drug Information Network follows below [PDF here]:
Goverment(s) need to start taking responsibility for the damage caused through the war on drugs. Most times if not all the criminal penalties outweigh any harm the drug would have caused to either the individual or the community.
Amazing results DNDC and all stakeholders, no change in the last decade, and no change from the millions we spend to keep these jokers in jobs to do nothing. Thanks for your contribution to our spiraling debt!
They should start 2016 off on a good note, and decriminalize Cannabis. I mean, some legistlation needs to occur on the subject. People being imprisoned over a plant in 2016 is inhumne. Instead, what government are telling us is go use cigarettes and/or alcohol instead, they’re legal and safer for you.
That’s because Government benefits from the sales of cigarettes and/or alcohol, but during the days of prohibition (when alcohol was illegal when the mob and moonshiners were making the money) and cannabis was legal and was used by mainly Mexicans and African Americans it was a different story.