Carrying While Drunk.

In T&T there is a law against carrying while drunk but the law cannot be enforced unless the President proclaims the law.

The President has not prescribed the test and has not proclaimed that amendment to Act No. 3 of 2004 into operation. Currently, there is no effect to Section 13(B) carrying while drunk

Handling firearms requires both acute physical and mental abilities at all times.

In Trinidad & Tobago, section 13(B) of the Firearms Act says:

13(B). A person commits an offence if he has a firearm with him while he is drunk or under the influence of a dangerous drug within the meaning of the Dangerous Drugs Act, and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of twenty thousand dollars and to imprisonment for two years.

Under PART V MISCELLANEOUS 35. (a), the President may make Regulations …. for prescribing— (a) the test for determining drunkenness for the purpose of section 13B. This means that it may not be the same test as that used for determining drunkenness under the Motor Vehicles & Road Traffic Act and the quantity of alcohol in the blood may also be a different value. I’m saying, “may,” because we do not know yet. The President has not prescribed the test and has not proclaimed that amendment to Act No. 3 of 2004 into operation. Currently, there is no effect to Section 13(B) carrying while drunk.

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) 40 percent of violent crimes in the USA are committed by persons under the influence of alcohol.

Drinking alcohol aids in lowering anxiety and stress. Consumption results in the production of an amino acid considered to be an “inhibitory” neurotransmitter. A high level of that amino acid causes the body temperature to drop and the heart rate and blood pressure to come down. Simultaneously, alcohol increases the levels of dopamine that the brain receives. Dopamine is a chemical responsible for triggering signals of pleasure. Higher levels of dopamine give the “high” pleasurable state that comes from consuming alcohol.

Alcohol also elevates the quantity of nor epinephrine present in the brain. This neurotransmitter acts as a stimulant. Elevated levels of nor epinephrine increase excitement, and it can further lower inhibitions and result in impulsive behavior. Impulsive behavior may be fine when sober but under the influence of alcohol, some of the activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain decreases. That’s the part of the brain that’s responsible for thinking rationally. When alcohol reduces the functions of the behavioral inhibitory centers in the brain, you can act without considering the consequences of that action. Consider that fluid state of mind and the seriousness and finality of firing even a single shot whether intention or not. This is why carrying while drunk is dangerous.

Alcohol slows down reaction time, perception and coordination. It interferes with both mind and body simultaneously. Lowered inhibitions can make you more prone to fall victim to crimes, or commit crimes. The prefrontal cortex of the brain is partly responsible for control over emotions, willpower and aggression. Losing the ability to control aggression and rationality while being unable to process the consequences of your actions because of alcohol could result in grave outcomes for the concealed carrier.

It is with the above in mind that we urge you to never allow yourself to become drunk and under no circumstances so you become intoxicated while carrying a firearm.