Events Detail

The Center for Latin American Studies

Amb. Jaime Daremblum & Dir. John Walters

                Director John P. Walters

   Director John Walters and Ken Weinstein

recently held an event titled:

Cocaine Crossroads: Progress from Colombia, Challenges from Venezuela

with

John P. Walters, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

The announcement by Director John P. Walters, Mexican Attorney General Medina Mora Icaza, and Colombian Minister of Defense Juan Manuel Santos of a cocaine shortage in most major U.S cities, combined with an overall decrease of 23% in teenage drug use in America since 2001, are clearly major victories in the war on drugs. Yet ongoing border challenges and anti-American policies in some Latin American countries continue to pose challenges. Director Walters, just returning from a trip to Latin America, briefed us on his findings.

John P. Walters was sworn in as the Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) on December 7, 2001. As the nation's "Drug Czar," Walters coordinates all aspects of federal drug programs and spending. Walters has extensive experience at ONDCP: from 1989 to 1991, Walters served as chief of staff for former ONDCP Director William Bennett and was Deputy Director for Supply Reduction from 1991 until leaving the office in 1993.

Ambassador Jaime Daremblum, Director of Hudson's Center for Latin American Studies, introduced Director Walters.

Download the transcript of this event here

News Reports:

Download the AP News Report of this event here

Download  the EFE News Report of this event here

For more information please contact Ioannis Saratsis at isaratsis@hudson.org