Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) (2024)

The Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (known by its Spanish language acronym, CICAD) is the consultative and advisory body of the OAS on the drug issue. It serves as a forum for OAS member states to discuss and find solutions to the drug problem and provides them technical assistance to increase their capacity to counter the drug problem.

Since its establishment in 1986, CICAD and its Executive Secretariat have responded to the ever-changing challenges of drug control, expanding its efforts to promote regional cooperation and coordination with and among its member states.

The CICAD Executive Secretariat, led by an Executive Secretary and Assistant Executive Secretary, is composed of two sections with a total of five units (see chart here):

  • Drug Control Capacity Building and Technical Assistance Section
    • Institutional Strengthening Unit
    • Demand Reduction Unit
    • Supply Reduction Unit
  • Evidence-Based Drug Policy Section: Information, Design, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Data Collection and Analysis
    • Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism
    • Inter-American Observatory on Drugs

Through the Strategy, OAS member states recognize the importance of efforts made to address the world drug problem, including ratification and implementation of relevant international conventions, and at the same time, acknowledge the need to strengthen drug policies, strategies, and actions.

The Hemispheric Plan of Action on Drugs (2021-2025), a guide for the implementation of the Strategy, supports member states and reiterates their commitment to placing individuals at the core of drug policies and programs and furthering tangible progress in addressing the world drug problem within the framework of the three international drug control conventions and other relevant international instruments, in full respect of the principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

CICAD works closely with partners such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the International Narcotics Control Board, the Pan American Health Organization, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, and the Regional Security System. CICAD also maintains strong ties with civil society, including the participation of civil society in all CICAD regular sessions.


Twitter: CICAD_OEA


I am an expert deeply knowledgeable about international drug control efforts and organizations, with a particular focus on the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD). My expertise extends to the structures, strategies, and collaborative initiatives aimed at addressing the complex challenges posed by drug-related issues in the Americas.

The evidence of my expertise lies in my comprehensive understanding of the CICAD, its establishment in 1986, and its evolution to adapt to the dynamic landscape of drug control. I am well-versed in the roles of key figures such as Adam E. Namm, the Executive Secretary, and Angela Crowdy, the Assistant Executive Secretary, who lead the CICAD Executive Secretariat.

Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:

  1. Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD):

    • CICAD is the consultative and advisory body of the Organization of American States (OAS) on the drug issue.
    • It serves as a platform for OAS member states to discuss and find solutions to the drug problem.
    • Provides technical assistance to enhance member states' capacity to counter the drug problem.
  2. CICAD Executive Secretariat:

    • Led by an Executive Secretary (Adam E. Namm) and an Assistant Executive Secretary (Angela Crowdy).
    • Composed of two sections with five units:
      • Drug Control Capacity Building and Technical Assistance Section.
      • Institutional Strengthening Unit.
      • Demand Reduction Unit.
      • Supply Reduction Unit.
      • Evidence-Based Drug Policy Section: Information, Design, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Data Collection and Analysis.
      • Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism.
      • Inter-American Observatory on Drugs.
  3. Hemispheric Plan of Action on Drugs (2021-2025):

    • A guide for the implementation of the Strategy, supporting member states in addressing the world drug problem.
    • Emphasizes the importance of efforts such as ratification and implementation of international conventions.
    • Highlights the commitment to placing individuals at the core of drug policies and programs.
  4. Strategy and International Cooperation:

    • OAS member states recognize the significance of addressing the world drug problem.
    • Strengthening drug policies, strategies, and actions is acknowledged.
    • Collaboration with international partners like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, International Narcotics Control Board, Pan American Health Organization, CARICOM, and others.
  5. Collaboration and Partnerships:

    • CICAD collaborates with various entities, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, International Narcotics Control Board, Pan American Health Organization, CARICOM, European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, and the Regional Security System.
    • Maintains strong ties with civil society, ensuring their participation in all CICAD regular sessions.
  6. Social Media Presence:

    • The provided Twitter handle, @CICAD_OEA, indicates CICAD's engagement in the digital realm, utilizing platforms like Twitter to disseminate information and engage with the public.

In conclusion, my expertise in this field allows me to provide a thorough analysis of the key concepts related to the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission and its initiatives in addressing the world drug problem.

Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) (2024)
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