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		The Strategic Services Agency (SSA) Overview This agency has the responsibility for supply control. It is a legislated authority, under the purview of the Ministry of National Security, with responsibility to, among other things: Centralized information that could facilitate the detection and prevention of illicit traffic in narcotic drugs. Co-ordinate illicit drug trafficking and related drug matters. Prepare, monitor and implement a Drug Interdiction Strategy. Prepare, update, monitor and coordinate all matters relating to a Dangerous Drugs Supply Reduction programme. Since its establishment, the SSA has made significant contributions to the nation's strategic response to drug trafficking and crime in general. As the national co-ordinating agency, the SSA acts as the national focal point for drug related information and for monitoring international and local drug trafficking trends. It also negotiates with co-operating countries and international agencies for training and technical assistance. History The illicit trade in drugs had already become the number one threat to global security by the end of the 1980. When countries met in Vienna in 1988, it was with the intention of promoting cooperation among "Parties" so that they may address more effectively the various aspects of illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Countries renewed their commitment to international cooperation and coordination. This, they agreed, would be supported and fuelled by the coordination of activities and cooperation among national agencies within each country. The development of Trinidad and Tobago's counter-narcotics program is therefore strongly influenced by the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988. The country responded to the call for local coordination by passing Act No. 24 of 1995 for the establishment of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA). This body was established in keeping with an approach inspired by the United Nations through the preparation of a "Model Legislative or Reglementary Text Establishing a Central Office for the Suppression of Illicit Drug Trafficking". The SSA became operational on 1st July 1996, embracing its main edict to function as a central co-ordinating body for the dangerous drugs supply reduction programme. Functions The main functions of the SSA are stipulated in Section 6 (1) and (2) of Act No. 24 of 1995. These functions relate to drug trafficking and its incidental aspects, and may be broadly classified as follows:- Information and Intelligence i.e. collection, processing and dissemination of information derived from local, regional and international sources and generating of intelligence therefrom. Strategy i.e. development, interpretation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of strategies aimed at reducing the production and transiting of illicit drugs and related crime. Trends i.e. the analysis and interpretation of patterns of activity that relate to criminal activity including, but not limited, to drug related activity. Legal i.e. the provision of support for the review or upgrade of the Domestic Legal Framework. Policy i.e. to advise on policy in relation to the counter-narcotic programme.
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