This is one of the startling findings contained in the United States Department of State International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2008.
The report, however, noted that despite the increase in illegal drug trafficking through this country – the quantity of drugs transiting Trinidad and Tobago does not have a significant effect on the United States.
Nonetheless, the report said "strengthening border protection by automating the method to include container scanning", is one of the initiatives the Government of Trinidad and Tobago should take to deal with illicit drug trafficking .
The report was prepared by the State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and released this month, weeks ahead of the Caribbean Community Heads of Government Conference's special meeting on crime and security in Port- of-Spain next month.
Prime Minister Patrick Manning and the other CARICOM Heads have all noted that the increase in drug trafficking within the region over the past few years, has been the main cause of the increase in criminal activity in CARICOM member states like Trinidad and Tobago.
The International Narcotics Control Strategy report covers the period January 1 to December 31, 2007, and gives a detailed analysis of more than 100 countries across the world, including Trinidad and Tobago.