Customs officers are to get training in the basics of drug addiction as part of the National Drug Control Master Plan.

The Department for National Drug Control is to carry out training in basic pharmacology and the foundations of addictions.

It is also to partner with HM Customs in school programmes and community activities, to increase drug awareness and education.

The Department will also disseminate information at the airport and cruise ship terminals, by means of brochures, posters, pamphlets and books.

Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Neletha Butterfield announced the cross-ministry initiative in the House of Assembly on Friday.

She said: "This partnership agreement supports the effort to provide a balanced approach to National Drug Control as outlined in the Master Plan and substantially assists in ensuring that a broader base of inter-departmental cooperation takes place."

The Department for National Drug Control is also to hold at least four local training seminars for HM Customs, focusing on: observation techniques and behaviour analysis; vessel search and boarding procedures; ramp security training; and container security initiatives.

To date three training activities have taken place two on ramp training and container security, by Rovertech International, and one on the foundations of addiction, by Dr. Ken Garfield Douglas, Department for National Drug Control senior research officer/policy analyst.

An 'Overseas precursor chemicals and illicit lab course' is also being considered for 2010-11. The initiatives are part of the National Drug Control Policies and Master Plan (2007-11).