Written question asked by Hugh Robertson (Conservative) on Monday, 16 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 January 2006. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Thursday, 19 January 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Cape Verde Islands

Question: (2) what measures the UK Government are taking to combat drug running in the Cape Verde islands.

Answer: I have been asked to reply.UK law enforcement agencies have reported a recent growth in the trafficking of illicit drugs through West Africa, including Cape Verde. We welcome the Cape Verdian Government's strong commitment to enforcing the rule of law and taking action against international organised crime. As a result of a short-term assessment of the increased use of Cape Verde as a drugs transit route, we are engaged with the Cape Verdian Government and other international partners in the region to identify both the nature of this development and how shared resources might be deployed to the region to best effect.Our Ambassador to Senegal, who has responsibility for the Islands of Cape Verde, met with Cape Verdian Ministers and officials in December 2005 to discuss a range of issues affecting the islands. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Department for International Development (Hilary Benn) is writing to the Cape Verdian Minister of Foreign Affairs about our work, with EU partners, to help the Cape Verde authorities tackle the growing problem of illicit drug trafficking through the region.

Secondary information