on Friday affirmed that his administration ensures a frontal fight against illicit drug trafficking, as he called for the collaboration of countries that serve as transit points and destinations for this criminal activity.
Mr. Castillo participated in the inauguration of the joint container checkpoint system for the Ports of Paita and Matarani.
Within this framework, the Head of State indicated that this advance is a sign of the "unwavering commitment of Peru and our Government in the frontal fight against illicit drug trafficking."
"Today we are here with the aim of improving port security and preventing the use of legitimate maritime cargo containers for illicit activities, namely illicit drug trafficking and smuggling of merchandise," he emphasized.
In this sense, the President pointed out that the implementation of this joint port control system is added to other measures being implemented and promoted by the Government so as to prevent drug trafficking activities.
These include the reinforcement of interdiction tasks in the port sphere, as well as the eradication of illicit crops that were initially intended for the production of narcotics. To this —he said— the promotion of alternative crops is included.
Necessary control
Mr. Castillo deemed drug trafficking as "a scourge that threatens health, lives, the environment, the economy, and the future of the country."
Furthermore, the Head of State announced that the Navy and the Public Ministry will soon participate in port control work involving containers.
Moreover, the top official pointed out that these control efforts are necessary, because although approximately 80% of world trade is transported via maritime containers, only 2% of these are subject to supervision.
The joint port control units of Paita and Matarani add these maritime terminals to that of Callao region, which since 2017 has been relying on this mechanism. It is in charge of the National Superintendence of Tax Administration (Sunat) and the Anti-Drug Directorate of the National Police.