Item 5. Implementation of the international drug control treaties (Tuesday morning)

Chair: We will consider scheduling recommendations by WHO and INCB.

CND Secretariat: Recalls the substances and scheduling recommendations.

Chair: Explains process to schedule substances under 1961, 1971 and 1988 conventions.

Butonitazene

WHO: Butonitazene, or butoxynitazene, is a benzimidazole-derived synthetic opioid not currently under international control and lacking recognized therapeutic use. It appears as a crystalline solid or powder and has chemical and pharmacological similarities to controlled opioids like etonitazene, acting as an agonist at µ-opioid receptors with effects comparable to morphine and fentanyl. Although no human or animal studies on its dependence potential were found, its mechanism suggests a high risk of dependence and abuse. Reported administration routes include smoking, intranasal use, and injection, with instances of non-fatal intoxications requiring hospitalization. Seizures of butonitazene have occurred in multiple regions, underlining its abuse potential and associated health risks. Given its abuse liability, lack of therapeutic use, and potential for harm, the Committee recommended adding butonitazene to Schedule I of the 1961 Convention.

Chair: Invites a vote.

Votes in favour (48): Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Finland, Ghana, Guatemala, Hungary?, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lithuania, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, India, Nigeria, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Zimbabwe.

Votes against: 0

Abstentions (1): Dominican Republic.

3-CMC

WHO: 3-Chloromethcathinone, or 3-CMC, is a synthetic cathinone identified in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and as a grey or white powder. Despite not being reviewed by WHO and not currently under international control, concerns have been raised about its clandestine manufacture, public health risks, and lack of therapeutic use. Structurally similar to methcathinone and acting as a psychostimulant through dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters, 3-CMC’s effects resemble those of amphetamines. No studies have been conducted on its dependence or abuse potential, but clinical admissions and cases of intoxication suggest significant risks, including agitation, seizures, and potentially fatal outcomes. With increasing detection worldwide and seizures reported in various regions, the absence of any known therapeutic uses reinforces concerns. The Committee recommends adding 3-CMC to Schedule II of the 1971 Convention due to its substantial health risks and evidence of harmful use.

Chair: Invites a vote.

Votes in favour (50): Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Finland, Ghana, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lithuania, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Zimbabwe.

Votes against: Zero.

Abstentions (1): Dominican Republic.

Chair: Scheduled under the 1971 Convention.

Dipentylone

WHO: Dipentylone, or N-methylpentylone, a synthetic cathinone commonly found as crystals or tablets, has not been formally reviewed by WHO and remains uncontrolled internationally. Despite this, concerns about its clandestine manufacture, public health risks, and lack of therapeutic use have been raised. Acting similarly to other cathinone psychostimulants, dipentylone increases neurotransmitter concentrations in the central nervous system, leading to effects such as insomnia, hallucinations, paranoia, agitation, and tachycardia. While no controlled studies have assessed its dependence potential, its mechanism suggests it could induce dependence akin to amphetamines. Animal studies indicate dipentylone’s abuse potential is comparable to methamphetamine and cocaine, with documented cases of non-fatal and fatal intoxications and instances of driving under its influence. Seizures of dipentylone have occurred in various countries, where it’s often sold as cocaine or MDMA. Given its substantial health risk and lack of medical application, the Committee recommends adding dipentylone to Schedule II of the 1971 Convention.

Votes against (0):

Abstentions (1): Dominican Republic

2-Fluorodeschloroketamine

WHO: 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine, a chemical relative to ketamine and an arylcyclohexylamine, has been found as a brown oil in its freebase form or as a crystalline solid or powder in its salt form, and has even been identified in food products like chocolates. This substance, which has not undergone formal WHO review and remains uncontrolled internationally, poses public health risks without any recognized therapeutic benefits. Its effects, akin to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists like phencyclidine (controlled under Schedule II of the 1971 Convention), include dissociation, confusion, agitation, and cardiovascular issues, as reported in clinical cases and self-reports by users. Despite the absence of controlled studies on its dependence potential, instances of dependence have been reported. Experimental animal studies suggest its rewarding properties and high abuse potential. Seizures of 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine have been reported across various regions, highlighting its global presence and associated risks, including fatal intoxications. Given its similarities to controlled dissociatives, harmful effects, and lack of medical use, the Committee recommends adding 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine to Schedule II of the 1971 Convention.

Votes against:

Abstentions: Dominican Republic

To be added to Schedule IV of the 1971 Convention:

Bromazolam

WHO: Bromazolam, a triazolobenzodiazepine, is known for its white or crystalline solid form and has been found in various products including tablets, capsules, and even chewable candies. Initially placed under surveillance by WHO due to insufficient data on its pharmacological effects, new information highlights its clandestine manufacture, public health risks, and lack of therapeutic use. As a benzodiazepine, bromazolam shares structural similarities with alprazolam, binding to GABAA receptors with effects reversible by flumazenil. While no controlled human or animal studies have been conducted on its dependence potential, its pharmacological profile suggests a likelihood of dependence, supported by self-reported withdrawal symptoms from users. The abuse potential of bromazolam, inferred from animal models and paralleled by benzodiazepines like midazolam and diazepam, has led to increasing seizures and its identification in fatal and non-fatal intoxications. Without any recognized therapeutic applications and given its considerable public health risk, the Committee has recommended listing bromazolam under Schedule IV of the 1971 Convention.

Votes in favour (50). Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Finland, Ghana, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lithuania, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Zimbabwe.

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (1): Dominican Republic

4-Piperidone

INCB: It is the INCB´s mandate to review precursors and we have submitted two substances used in the preparation of fentanyl and some of its analogues, specifically used to make ANPP and norfentanyl. Both are listed in the 1981 convention. e 1988 Convention, recommended the addition of two precursors of fentanyl, along with several fentanyl analogues, to Table I of the convention.(…) The two chemicals under consideration, 4-piperidone and its chemically protected derivative, play a crucial role in the synthetic pathways leading to fentanyl and certain analogues. The board’s assessment highlighted that these precursors are highly suitable for illicit fentanyl production, with reported incidents of their misuse dating back to 2019. Despite their limited legitimate use, mainly confined to research and development, the potential for their diversion into illicit drug manufacture necessitates international control. We recommend the inclusion of 4-piperidone and its derivative in Table I of the 1988 Convention, the INCB aims to curtail their availability for unauthorised purposes. This measure is expected to significantly reduce the illicit production of fentanyl and its analogues, ultimately contributing to the mitigation of the associated public health and social problems. Importantly, implementing controls on these substances would not negatively impact their legitimate uses. The addition to Table I allows governments to employ pre-export notifications, enhancing their ability to monitor and regulate shipments entering their territories.

Votes in favour (50). Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominican Republic, France, Finland, Ghana, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lithuania, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Zimbabwe.

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

1-boc 4-Piperidone

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

P-2-P methyl glycidic acid

INCB: This submission specifically targets the control of certain precursors used in the production of amphetamines, notably P-2-P methyl glycidic acid (all stereoisomers), a key component in the synthesis of amphetamine and methamphetamine. Our recommendations cover a group of nine chemically related substances, including one acid and eight of its esters, all of which can be interchangeably used in the illicit manufacture of P-2-P, a precursor already under international control as listed in Table I of the 1988 Convention. These substances are identified as designer precursors: synthetic chemicals crafted for the sole purpose of circumventing drug laws, with no known legitimate industrial or commercial uses. The necessity of these recommendations is underscored by the documented incidents of illicit manufacture and trafficking involving these substances, with records dating back to 2012 for P-2-P methyl glycidic acid, 2016 for its methyl ester, and as recently as 2023 for its acid ester. The escalation in both the frequency and quantity of these incidents, particularly since late 2022, highlights the urgency of implementing international controls. Despite the absence of reported seizures for six of the esters (propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, and tert-butyl esters), their chemical similarity to the already identified substances indicates a potential for their use as direct substitutes in illicit drug production. Given the lack of legitimate manufacture and trade of these nine substances, our assessment strongly advocates for their addition to Table I of the 1988 Convention. Incorporating these substances under international control aims to significantly limit their availability for illicit drug manufacture, thereby reducing the illicit production of amphetamine and methamphetamine derived from them. This proactive measure, particularly for the six yet-to-be-seized esters, is aligned with the Commission’s Resolution 65/3 from March 2022, aiming to pre-emptively curb the adaptation of illicit production methods to use these substances. The proposed control measures are designed to have no negative impact on any legitimate uses these substances might have, given their limited to non-existent legitimate market presence. Placing them in Table I will enable governments to implement pre-export notifications, enhancing the ability to monitor and regulate any trade in these substances, thus contributing to global efforts to combat the illicit drug trade effectively. We thank the Commission for its attention to these recommendations, underscoring our collective commitment to safeguarding public health and security from the ramifications of illicit drug manufacture and trafficking.

Secretary: The commission will be first asked to take action regarding P2P methyl glycidic acid to be added to table 1 of the 1988 convention. Then, all 8 recommendations will be decided on during 8 separate votes. The form of inclusion will be then decided. If the commission decides to not include it in the footnote, then it will be included in the table. If there is no consensus on the footnote, we will decide on the form. As this is not a decision about table 1 or 2, rule 58 of Rules of Procedure will be followed.

Chair: Invites voting to include P-2-P methyl glycidic acid in Table I of the 1988 Convention. As per Article 12, Paragraph 5 of the 1988 Convention, that a two-thirds majority is required for the decision to add a substance to the tables of the 1988 Convention.

Votes in favour (50): Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominican Republic, France, Finland, Ghana, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lithuania, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Zimbabwe.

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

Methyl Ester of P2P, all stereoisometers

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

Ethyl Ester of P2P,

Chair: include in Table 1 of 1988?

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

Propyl Ester of P2P

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

Isopropyl Ester of P2P

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

Butyl Ester of P2P

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

Isobutyl Ester of P2P

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

Sec-butyl Ester of P2P

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

Tert-butyl Ester of P2P

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

3,4.MDP-2-P metyl glycidic acid, ethyl ester

INCB: The INCB has recommended to the commission, under Article 12 of the 1988 Convention, that seven precursors of MDMA (ecstasy) be included in Table I. These substances, chemically related to 3,4-MDP-2-P (already controlled), are identified as designer precursors with no legitimate use, crafted for illicit drug production. The Board’s analysis highlights their significant role in the illicit manufacture of MDMA, noting an uptick in trafficking activities, especially with the ethyl ester of 3,4-MDP-2-P methyl glycidic acid, since late 2022. Although no seizures of the six additional esters (propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, and tert-butyl) have been reported, their potential as substitutes in illicit production warrants their inclusion in Table I. This measure aims to curb MDMA production derived from these precursors and anticipates shifting illicit practices, aligning with Commission Resolution 65/3 of March 2022. The Board assures that this control will not affect any legitimate uses, as such uses are practically non-existent. The proposed inclusion in Table I, facilitating pre-export notifications, will strengthen international drug control efforts. The Board recommends listing these seven esters as a footnote to 3,4-MDP-2-P methyl glycidic acid in Table I, showcasing a unified approach to tackle the challenges of drug control and the associated public health risks.

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

3,4.MDP-2-P metyl glycidic acid, isopropyl ester

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

3,4.MDP-2-P metyl glycidic acid, isobutyl ester

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

3,4.MDP-2-P metyl glycidic acid, sec-butyl ester

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

3,4.MDP-2-P metyl glycidic acid, tert-butyl ester

Votes against (0)

Abstentions (0)

CHAIR: I wish to thank you all for your cooperation in the voting exercise that we’ve just had. And we will proceed by giving the floor to some member states, on changing the scope of controlled substances and the first on teh list is Brazil. I give the you the floor.

BRAZIL: We have been monitoring the emergence of NPS and hastening the evaluation and classification of the more harmful ones in our country. In 2023 Brazil scheduled under special control synthetic cannabinoids which have emerged in recent years, which do not fit under generic classes. Fostering interagency collaboration in mitigating harms associated with their use. In the context of international cooperation Brazil highlights the importance of interagency collaboration to continue promoting the sharing of skills and expert advice. The importance of this initiative is key for strengthening the capabilities, Brazil reiterates its commitment to INCB and UNODC projects and programs such as the global rapid interdictions and early warning adversary. Thankyou Mr Chair.

Russia: Within the Russian Federation, there is no evidence suggesting illicit trafficking of the 16 substances under consideration by the commission for international scheduling. This lack of seizures seems to mirror the situation in other countries, indicating a limited presence of these substances in illicit drug manufacturing. The criteria for international scheduling of precursors include their frequent use in the illicit production of drugs, and the absence of significant seizures concerning these substances is viewed with concern, suggesting a potential gap in monitoring or the need for increased vigilance in tracking their distribution and use.

Guatemala: Not all substances meet requirements set forth in article 12. We recall CND resolution that asks the board to consider the sensitivity of the matter, regarding derivatives and related substances. In reality, the world drug problem tells us there is a rapid change on the market, with no regard to designer precursors. While INCB recommends …, it also includes esters that might be used in illicit manufacture, but there is no evidence to it, just a “scientific opinion”. We must take duly informed decisions. The fast pace of the market of illegal drugs demands a more informed view. We decided we need to be flexible to respond to the world drug problems. We will need to evaluate these, all MS. This is just a word of caution, as the more we schedule, the more challenging the implementation of the conventions will become.

China: We endorse the recommendations and will adjust our domestic legislation. The global NPS problem has been spreading. Criminals are updating their processes to avoid regulation. Increasing the number of scheduled chemicals, along a multi-pronged approach is necessary.

Belgium: The only way to tackle this issue is giving legal certainty, so we need to schedule. We are running behind, as soon as we schedule something, three more pop up. INCB president explained there are direct substitutes. There is a need to act immediately.

India: The chemicals which have been voted on today in the 1988 convention are suitable precursors for manufacture of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. Given that these could be used for manufacturing of fentanyl and given it is a major substance of concern we did not have objection to their inclusion. However, we do note that fentanyl is an essential medical drug and the precursors do have other legitimate uses for the production of pharmaceutical products. It is hoped that control measures don’t impose restrictions that prevent their use in legitimate trade and production. The conventions cannot hamper trade for legitimate use unless it is necessary to do so.

USA: We thank the INCB for the innovative scheduling decision they have taken today. We believe the commission has the authority to make this decision. We have previously waited too long before making scheduling decisions on illicit drugs, losing ground in the fight against illicit drugs, and this innovative approach will definitely save lives.

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Item 5. Implementation of the international drug control treaties (Tuesday morning)

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