derived from the trade is used to purchase weapons and finance other criminal activities, compounded by the murderous rivalry between gangs and organised crime syndicates to control territory. 3.6 The primary illicit drugs that feature in CARICOM are marijuana, cocaine, and heroin and their derivatives, such as crack, which comes from cocaine. In so far as production is concerned only marijuana is produced in the Region. However, these drugs are being increasingly superseded in world markets by synthetic narcotics, which can be produced anywhere. 3.7 The trafficking and use of illegal narcotics supports a multiplicity of serious criminal activities and social problems, including harm to the individuals who consume the drugs; violence associated with trafficking, the diversion of criminal justice resources from other activities; increased criminality through addiction, acquisitive and organised crime, the corrupting of social institutions, the undermining of the legal economy, the widespread availability of illegal guns and the proliferation of gangs. 3.8 This is an issue which affects most countries in the world, whether as source, transit or consumer countries. Despite significant regional and international efforts to disrupt the transit and supply of illicit drugs and reduce demand, the illegal drugs trade remains a hugely profitable enterprise for organised criminals. 3.9 Internationally, there is growing concern about current drug policies. A number of countries are now questioning the wisdom of attempting to deal with drug problems primarily by prohibition, criminalisation and penalisation of drug users; and are calling for a new focus on actions to reduce the harm caused to the victims of drug related crimes; drug users and others. Numerous studies have established that many of the actions currently being taken by the international community are not yielding the desired results. Progressive changes in drug policies in Brazil, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and a number of states in the USA, including the States of Colorado and Washington, are evidence of this global shift. CARICOM cannot divorce itself from the international context, and should undertake a serious review of counter-narcotics policies. 3.10 It is therefore time for a fundamental review of all CARICOM drug policies in order to keep abreast of changes in the international context, and to establish a package of measures that will be more effective in reducing the harm caused by drugs. The Region’s position must be informed by a comprehensive understanding of the global situation and possible alternative policies. The principal aim of the Region’s drug policy should be first and foremost to minimise the harm caused to the victims of drug-related crime, drug users and others, and to society as a whole. b) Illegal Guns and “Associated Ammunition” 3.11 The CARICOM Member States do not manufacture guns or ammunition, and they do not import significant quantities. However, the Region has been severely affected by an influx of guns and ammunition. Despite numerous initiatives and mechanisms aimed at addressing the 24