A Conversation with Carmen Masias, Peru's Drug Czar

Introduction:

Ambassador Craig Kelly
Vice President, The Cohen Group &
Former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs
U.S. Department of State

Presentation (in Spanish):

Carmen Masías
Chairman
National Commission for Development and Life without Drugs (DEVIDA)

Commentary (off-the-record)

Eric Jacobstein
Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control
U.S. Senate

Following his election in June 2011, Peruvian president Ollanta Humala announced his intention to reconsider Peru's antinarcotics policy.  Although some initial measures appeared to shift away from interdiction and combating organized crime, the appointment of Carmen Masías this January marked a new shift in strategy, towards an approach that emphasizes investments in social programs as well as combating drug trafficking organizations.  On May 11, Ms. Masías, Chairman of Peru's National Commission for Devleopment and Life without Drugs (DEVIDA) joined the Americas Program for a roundtable discussion and an in-depth look into Peru's new anti-drug strategy.