The national drug control policy of the Government of Suriname is contained in the Strategic Drug Master Plan of the Republic of Suriname (July 1997); it has been updated and modified for the policy period 2000-2005. The policy focuses on supply reduction (arrest and prosecution of drug traffickers) and demand reduction (drug prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation). Suriname is part of the Caribbean Drug Information Network (CARIDIN), which maintains information on both licit and illicit substances for the 15 CARIFORUM countries and the Dutch and British Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories. SURIDIN, Suriname's planned national drug information network, will be an integrated part of the regional network CARIDIN and will serve as the national focal point for the CARIDIN to ensure the continuity of data collection, represent the country in regional technical meetings, and prepare and disseminate national reports. The general purpose of the network is to contribute to the elimination or reduction of drug abuse and its health and social consequences. Regarding drug abuse, marijuana is the oldest and most used drug in Suriname. In the 1980's, cocaine was seized in small quantities from drug suspects, and it became apparent that Surinamese territory was being used for the import and transit of cocaine, as foreign drug organizations had expanded their network to Suriname, aided by Surinamese partners. Due to the abundance of cocaine in Suriname, its price is now affordable for more drug users. Crack cocaine, which is cheaper and more dangerous, is also present in Suriname. Drug interdiction is currently the responsibility of the Narcotics Squad of the Suriname Police Corps, Customs, and the Military Police Corps. Cooperation and collaboration among these agencies is inadequate. Drug users can receive treatment at the government-owned psychiatric center and at nongovernmental, faith-based, and privately owned inpatient treatment centers. Treatment methods include education, counseling, life-management skills, and social education. This report also provides information on public health reports and infectious diseases, survey data, existing data sources, and qualitative data. Future directions are also discussed. Recommendations address drug information and data collection, specialized training in drug abuse prevention, drug research, and the evaluation of prevention and treatment programs. 8 references