2024 Thematic Discussions on the Implementation of All International Drug Policy Commitments, Following-up to the 2019 Ministerial Declaration

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Chair: Welcome back.

Ms. Asma Fakhri, UNODC, on behalf of Mr. Justice TETTEY, Chief, Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch, UNODC (Moderator): Thank you all for gathering to address the growing challenges posed by synthetic opioids and the non-medical use of prescription drugs—issues that have become complex and widespread threats to global health and security. Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, are central to the overdose crisis. According to the World Drug Report, fentanyl alone is linked to nearly 7% of all drug-related deaths in North America in 2024, underscoring its devastating potency. However, fentanyl is just one part of the issue. The rapid evolution of synthetic drugs in illicit markets, initially concentrated in North America, is now spreading to Europe and parts of Asia. Adding to these challenges, the 2023 UNODC Afghan Opium Survey reported a 95% decrease in opium cultivation, which is expected to reduce the availability of opium and heroin. This scarcity may drive individuals and traffickers toward synthetic opioids, likely increasing overdose rates. Meanwhile, non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs—including opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants—continues to rise in regions with limited regulatory oversight. People sometimes misuse prescription drugs for self-medication or to amplify other substances. Youth are especially vulnerable, and women now represent nearly 43% of non-medical pharmaceutical opioid users, yet they are often underserved. The UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy (2021–2025) provides a framework for addressing synthetic drugs through four key actions: fostering multilateralism, enhancing early warning systems to anticipate crises, promoting science-informed health responses, and strengthening counter-narcotics capacities to disrupt trafficking. The Early Warning Advisory on New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) supports real-time information sharing, enabling countries to detect trends and respond quickly—a crucial tool in the volatile synthetic drug market. Although 142 countries contribute to this data, gaps reveal the need for better collaboration to maximize the system’s potential. Strengthening national drug-testing labs to generate quality scientific data is essential for creating tailored responses that consider regional drug patterns and social dynamics. Advances in artificial intelligence offer new tools for data analysis and trend prediction, further enhancing the system. However, innovation alone cannot solve these challenges. Despite rising overdose rates and the spread of synthetic drugs, treatment access remains inadequate: globally, only one in 11 people with drug use disorders receives treatment, and among marginalized groups, only one in 18 women receive the care they need. The CHAMPS initiative provides a vital prevention framework focused on children’s social and emotional development to reduce future drug use risks. It is also crucial to ensure the availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific use, while preventing their diversion. Over 80% of the global population lives in countries without adequate access to essential medicines, and addressing this issue is vital. Ensuring access prevents illicit markets from being fueled by individuals lacking necessary medications and care within the health system. Overdose prevention initiatives, like the availability of naloxone, are also critical. UNODC’s SOS initiative aims to close gaps in healthcare and overdose prevention services to reduce the most severe impacts. To further support the Synthetic Drug Strategy, the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs provides over 500 resources from across the UN system, including WHO. With more than 200 users worldwide, the toolkit is organized into 15 modules available in all six UN official languages. Addressing synthetic opioids and the non-medical use of prescription drugs requires strong international cooperation. Substances like fentanyl and midazolam pose global risks, as criminal networks exploit regulatory gaps across regions. This underlines the need for member states to address these challenges together. To support these efforts, UNODC is launching new initiatives: the International Network of Legislators on Drugs (INLODs), which fosters collaboration among parliamentarians to bridge legislative expertise gaps, and the JUST (Justices United Against Synthetic Trafficking) initiative, which will provide judges and prosecutors in at-risk countries with the resources needed to handle synthetic opioid trafficking cases effectively. Our response to synthetic drugs, including opioid misuse, must be multifaceted. It requires stronger early warning systems, enhanced international cooperation, effective legislation, counter-narcotics efforts, and adequate access to treatment and controlled substances for medical and scientific use. Success relies on cross-sector collaboration and policies rooted in science and human rights. Let’s forge stronger partnerships and leverage our resources to build resilient communities, protect public health, and create a safer, more just world. Together, we can meet these challenges and make a real impact. Thank you.

UNODC: I’ll begin with the first question to our delegate from China, Ms. Wu Fangting, Director of the Precursor and NPS Control Division in the Office of the National Narcotics Control Commission, who is joining us online. Thank you, Ms. Fangting, for being with us today. The first question for you is: How can cross-border cooperation between governments and the private sector help mitigate the illegal distribution of precursor chemicals and synthetic opioids?

China (panel): Ms. Wu Tingfang, Director, Precursor and NPS Control Division, Office of National Narcotics Control Commission: As far as we can tell, the synthetic opioids being misused mainly include certain odor drugs and psychoactive substances. China has implemented comprehensive controls on the production, management, use, import, and export of synthetic opioids and new psychoactive substances that have been scheduled. For substances in the synthetic category that are not scheduled, we’ve issued warning notices. We also require enterprises to provide transparency in their investments and sales, and if we find companies putting related information online, we contact them directly, issue a public notice, and ask them to sign responsibility agreements to work with us. In different scenarios, they can collaborate with us. We also strengthen monitoring measures in China, particularly through advanced detection tools, to identify and control suspicious substances. When such a substance is identified, an immediate investigation can follow to curb illicit activities. For synthetic opioids, we strictly supervise qualified enterprises in accordance with our legislation. We also investigate any detected violations, tracking these cases thoroughly. Thank you.

UNODC: Thank you, Ms. Fangting. I believe we have time for one or two questions from the floor before we move on to the next expert. Thank you for highlighting the importance of private sector cooperation in fostering cross-border efforts. Are there any questions from the floor, either online or in the room?

Chair: I’d like to ask a question regarding customs officials in developing countries who may not be equipped to identify new substances. Is there any best practice for cooperation among officials across borders to improve identification of these substances?

China (panel): Ms. Wu Tingfang, Director, Precursor and NPS Control Division, Office of National Narcotics Control Commission: It depends. First of all, we need to improve the competence of border officials, as well as the technical support they receive. This could include providing necessary equipment, such as testing kits and analytical tools. Information sharing is also crucial—if there is information on suspicious shipments, collaboration between border officials from different countries can be highly effective. Thank you.

VNGOC: How do you track or understand the mechanism of diversion that is for non medical consumption of prescription narcotics, like, where is the treatment from opiate use disorder or from cancer patients? Thank you.

China (panel): Ms. Wu Tingfang, Director, Precursor and NPS Control Division, Office of National Narcotics Control Commission:  Yes, that’s a very complex question, actually, because, you know, we do investigations according different channels, on different angles. We do this investigation sometimes from surveillance, if we have discovered any clues by ourselves, and sometimes from public depots, and sometimes when we float some suspicious activity, then we may discover a coup. And also, besides of those active substances those things are all banned and we strictly control them. And also, we just scheduled 46 substances at one time, this July. And then for some other significant use of drugs, when we discovered there were some uncommon sales in drugstore (…) is not rational because not used according to the clinical we must have a data of those prescription drugs. Did I answer your question? Thank you.

Moderator:  And I’ll just also point that later on, on the panel, we do have an expert from who joining us that will also be talking a little bit more about prescription practices monitoring and those kind of regulatory systems, which may also add to this question. Thank you very much. With that, I will actually move to our second intervention, our second expert, from Algeria. The question to you, Mr. Belkacem, is whether you can tell us about mechanisms to improve cooperation between healthcare providers, the criminal justice sector, law enforcement and social services to better understand the complex challenges of opioid misuse, while ensuring patient access?

Algeria (panel) Mr. Ahmed Belkacem, Magistrate, Ministry of Justice: Today, we are facing new drug-related threats, particularly in emerging markets for Captagon, prevalent in North America, Europe, Asia, and also in West and East Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf region. The number of deaths due to the misuse of pharmaceutical synthetic opioids continues to rise. Additionally, we are witnessing medications being diverted from their intended medical use and misused for addiction, including analgesics, sedatives, stimulants, and painkillers. There is also a growing issue with counterfeit drugs that do not meet pharmaceutical standards. This situation is partly due to the ban on certain substances, which has led people with drug use disorders to turn to even more dangerous substances. The non-medical use of prescription drugs is becoming a significant public health concern, with an increasing risk of overdose among certain groups such as the elderly, teenagers, women, and healthcare professionals. However, it is difficult to assess the prevalence of non-medical prescription drug use due to limited data, and these medications are often obtained outside legal channels. In Nigeria, this issue is serious, as law enforcement agencies report substantial quantities of diverted pharmaceuticals. In 2023 alone, according to the National Office for Prevention and Control, a record-breaking seizure of approximately 27 million units of psychotropic substances was recorded, all trafficked illegally across our borders. To combat this alarming situation, and in accordance with Article 23 of the 1971 UN Convention, which allows stricter measures for public health protection, Nigeria has introduced domestic legislation classifying psychotropic substances. This includes pre-emptive measures to curb the proliferation of unregulated substances. At both the national and regional levels, we need collaborative efforts to address this issue. Increased violence related to drug trafficking underscores the importance of establishing regional and sub-regional networks with early warning systems, best-practice exchanges, and enhanced scientific capacities. In this regard, we appreciate the U.S. initiative to build economic cooperation to address this issue. Prevention efforts, especially targeted at young people, are crucial. Social media can play a key role in awareness and outreach. Improving healthcare capacities for addiction treatment is also essential. In Nigeria, we are advancing treatment and rehabilitation efforts, encouraging individuals to start detoxification without fear of criminal prosecution. This ensures that no one is left behind. In conclusion, given the complexity and scale of this problem, we need a holistic, balanced approach that emphasizes shared responsibility and proportionality.

Moderator: Great. Now I will open the floor for any questions. It seems like we don’t have any questions. Thank you very much for a very clear and helpful presentation. And we’ll move on to the next question, which is to the Brazilian delegation. And we have Mr. Jamie Oliveira, who is a health lawyer, consultant for the National Secretary on drug policy and asset management: how can data related to negative health consequences, negative health outcomes, morbidity and mortality related to different drugs, be more effectively collected and shared in how far would better data help address the increasing misuse of pharmaceutical and synthetic opioids?

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Moderator: Seems like you are frozen. For the time being, we are moving on to our panelist from Canada. The question to you is: how can you better coordinate international efforts to respond quickly and effectively to emerging synthetic drug crisis?

Canada (panel) Ms. Yemi Agboola, Director of the Office of Drug Research and Surveillance, Health Canada: The drug problem is a global challenge; no country can address it in isolation. Nations must work together to combat the rising supply of synthetic drugs. While strengthening national data collection to detect emerging drugs is essential, international cooperation is equally critical for sharing timely information and addressing the diversification of the global drug market. We can draw on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to break down barriers and foster collaboration in responding swiftly and equitably to the drug crisis. The first priority is establishing a strong global network of scientists, particularly forensic experts, data specialists, and laboratory personnel, to support the rapid production and exchange of high-quality data. Key functions of this network would include building forensic laboratory capacity worldwide, connecting forensic personnel to share technical knowledge, and providing training on new technologies developed for substance detection. This network could also improve access to cutting-edge technology in laboratory and data science, boosting the ability to detect new substances. Another objective would be to share adapted analytical techniques that suit specific regional contexts. For example, Canada participates in multiple networks, such as the UNODC’s International Collaborative Exercise Program, to exchange knowledge with global peers, enhancing our tailored information products. A further function of the network could involve providing access to reference standards and library files to enable rapid substance identification. Faster information sharing would also be achieved through the automation of data processes and leveraging existing global data exchange platforms. Some key platforms include the UNODC Data Monitoring Platform, the Early Warning Advisory Platform, and the INCB PICS online platform. Additionally, a centralized inventory of National Early Warning Systems and databases would increase collaboration. Health Canada recently launched the Canadian Drug and Substance Watch, a surveillance tool for identifying emerging psychoactive substances in Canada’s drug market, which also references international early warning systems. Adopting standardized definitions and classifications for psychoactive substances can facilitate shared language and comparable statistics across organizations and countries. With this in mind, Health Canada recently introduced a classification framework to create comparative statistics on psychoactive substances. Prioritizing the monitoring of emerging substances based on their health risks and sharing detection methodologies for NPS (new psychoactive substances) would further support this effort. Canada’s Toxicology Laboratory Response Network (Tox-LRN), established in 2016, aids health authorities in detecting, assessing, and managing toxic exposure events of public health concern. Finally, international collaboration among global initiatives and member states can facilitate information exchange on effective policy responses. Sharing inventories of drug legislation, tools, and strategies can help policymakers develop comprehensive national responses. Over the past year, Canada has been active in the Global Coalition on Synthetic Drugs, identifying best practices and initiatives. I’ll stop here and welcome any questions. Thank you.

Moderator: Thank you so much for this. We will now try to reconnect to Brazil.

Brazil (panel):  In Latin America, technological advancements have been progressing steadily, particularly in the area of System Development Standards. However, the increased misinformation reaching millions, particularly around health products, oncology treatments and other medical products have become widespread, though stability in their distribution does not signify an absence of crisis. Since the pandemic, mass-produced counterfeit products by unauthorized manufacturers and importers have become an issue, raising concern among federal agencies responsible for ensuring safe access to healthcare. Addressing this problem requires a coordinated effort that includes federal agencies, healthcare providers, and consumers. Regarding Environmental, Social, and Governance factors, data on the non-medical consumption of certain substances and their risks must be presented in an accessible way to encourage awareness and engagement from authorities and service agents. There are significant risks associated with the non-medical use of substances, which poses threats to both public health and safety, potentially increasing crime rates. International oversight of substances is crucial. For example, strict control measures exist for prescribed vaccines, but the rise of counterfeit products outside regulated markets presents serious risks to national health policies and public safety.

Moderator:  Thank you very much. Mr. Oliva, for the for the answer, and I’ll open the floor again for any questions and if there are no other questions, I will use my advantage as being the moderator of the session to actually ask you a follow up question. Mr. Oliver, you spoke very briefly at the end as to one of the bigger challenges, which is the falsification of medicines, which may curtail national and regulatory processes and mechanisms in place to ensure that or to minimize the risk of diversion, Could you perhaps speak a little bit more about those instruments that are in place in in Brazil to specifically get around falsified medicines, or, as you mentioned, falsified opioids that may be circulating and circumventing regular regulators

Brazil: First, treating the falsification of vaccines as a serious crime, subject to penalties and sanctions. We have strong internal mechanisms for oversight, including prosecutorial powers and cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement. This domestic integration of stakeholders is essential for managing the situation, especially if counterfeit medicines, such as weight loss products, become popular and harder to control. When unregulated circulation of these products increases, the situation can escalate quickly. To prevent this, proactive measures to monitor and anticipate changes are crucial. Setting standards and treating vaccine falsification as a criminal offense is key. Coordinated communication, societal awareness, and management are essential to address this issue effectively. International cooperation is also critical, as well as promptly dismantling any illegal networks involved in the distribution of counterfeit medicines.

Mexico: While the questions are directed primarily at the panelists, my question also pertains to everyone here. The challenge we are addressing is the abuse of synthetic prescription medicines, particularly focusing on non-medical use. In conceptualizing this issue, it’s essential to consider not only the misuse by individuals but also the role of providers. For instance, there’s the matter of prescribed substances being misused and, separately, instances of providers potentially contributing to over-prescription. With this in mind, my question for the experts is: How accurate or effective is it to focus solely on the non-medical use of prescription medicines when designing policies? Given the different dimensions involved—each with its own factors and dynamics—how do we ensure our approach captures the full impact on individuals and addresses these complexities comprehensively? Thank you.

Moderator: Thank you very much Mexico for the question. And I know that we still have two other speakers, since your question is more for all of the expert panelists that are here, would you be okay with me retaining this question until all the speakers have spoken. Next, we’re joined by Mr. Dilkushi, who’s the technical officer from the expert committee on drug dependence at who thank you so much for being with us. And the question to you is, what recent developments have you observed? In the global trends of opioid misuse? How could technological innovation improve the National Prescription practices monitoring and treatment

WHO, Ms. Dilkushi Poovendran, Technical Officer, Division of Access to Medicines and Health Products: First, I would like to note that the WHO remains dedicated to ensuring access to controlled medicines and supporting evidence-based treatments, including new options for managing palliative care worldwide. WHO reiterates that access to safe and effective formulations is essential for the health and well-being of people across the globe. In recent years, WHO has observed that, as access to these crucial medicines has expanded, there is increased evidence of the significant public health benefits associated with them. For example, recent data show that improving access to opioid agonist therapies reduces the transmission of bloodborne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis C. However, alongside challenges in accessing opioids for legitimate clinical use, WHO has observed a rise in the synthetic opioid market and the non-medical use of prescription opioids, along with detection of novel synthetic compounds. In particular, WHO has noted an increase in harmful synthetic opioids and new psychoactive substances (NPS) appearing on the market. In recent years, WHO has documented specific public health risks associated with nitrogen-based compounds, marking a shift from fentanyl analogs. The WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence has recommended international control of various synthetic opioids, many of which are associated with fatal and non-fatal overdoses. These compounds pose public health risks for several reasons: they are often sold as falsified or counterfeit medicines. Earlier this year, WHO issued an alert for the detection of substandard and falsified opioids, such as metonitazene, which carries a high overdose risk when sold as a counterfeit opioid. Many of these synthetic opioids are sold online and marketed as legitimate medicines. Consumers unknowingly seeking genuine medications are at increased risk of overdose due to the potency variability of these compounds. Some of these opioids are also sold as benzodiazepines, posing a serious risk to individuals who may unknowingly take them and overdose. Furthermore, synthetic opioid compounds vary widely in potency, making it difficult to determine safe dosages and complicating overdose reversal. Higher doses of naloxone, for instance, may be required to reverse overdoses caused by these synthetic opioids. WHO urges countries to ensure sufficient supplies of this life-saving medication. WHO also recognizes the recent advancements in treatment options for substance use disorders. Since issuing guidelines in 2009 recommending methadone and buprenorphine as gold standard treatments, WHO is now evaluating additional options, such as extended-release injectable naltrexone, buprenorphine formulations, and other promising treatments, with new guidelines anticipated in 2026. WHO continues to support studies on long-acting buprenorphine in several countries, along with monitoring treatment capacity and access to medications. With more information about the harms and benefits of controlled medicines, WHO aims to help countries develop balanWHO:ced national policies to ensure safe, controlled access. In terms of technical innovation, data sharing among relevant agencies, and the use of technology are crucial for balancing access to controlled medicines. Electronic prescribing tools, for instance, can help ensure safe prescribing practices and continuity of care. However, these technologies should complement robust foundational practices in prescribing, monitoring, and treatment.

El Salvador: What do you think about an electronic prescription system for pharmaceutical drugs? It could address issues such as the misuse of medicines, which is a global concern?

WHO: Electronic prescribing systems can effectively improve how medicines are prescribed, enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of specific medical conditions. These systems also enable the collection of data on the health consequences of medical treatments. For example, we could use large datasets to assess the negative health impacts of diversion, such as an increased rate of dependence. A key objective of electronic prescribing is to ensure that medicines are safely prescribed to patients.

NGO, Mr. Humberto Rotondo, Youth RISE (online): I’d like to highlight a specific example of a COVID-era initiative that addresses the issues we are discussing today, focusing on cooperation between civil society organizations in my country. This initiative took decisive action in response to emerging drug trends by developing its first synthetic drug monitoring system, led by the National Commission for Drug Prevention and the Drug Observatory. This initiative is crucial for ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations, particularly those at high risk of exposure to new synthetic drugs. Early warning systems are designed to collect and disseminate information about emerging drugs, helping countries assess and respond to new challenges. These systems are fundamental for enabling governments to strengthen their public health infrastructure. Our early warning system aligns with the OAS’s Inter-American Drug Control Commission’s regional framework, demonstrating a commitment to international cooperation in addressing drug-related challenges. However, the success of early warning systems depends not only on international cooperation but also on strong partnerships with local civil society stakeholders. One civil society organization I’d like to highlight conducts drug checking through non-punitive services in nightlife settings. These services provide life-saving interventions and help build trust within communities of people who use drugs. This organization is well-positioned to detect emerging trends and is eager to share data with public organizations to inform drug policy development and enhance the impact of their work. Despite the relatively low use of certain substances, technological advancements in drug use present a growing challenge. Recent data shows that 34% of drug users acquire substances through non-prescription sales. Expanding drug-checking programs could help address the increasing presence of these substances in the market. It is critical to foster strong relationships between civil society organizations and public institutions. Civil society services, particularly in the areas of trust-building and data collection, complement the data held by public organizations and are essential for creating effective drug policies. By integrating these efforts, we can better address the challenges and promote inclusive policy development that prioritizes public health outcomes. Thank you.

Moderator: Are there any questions in the room, or perhaps online? If not, I’d like to touch on the question from Mexico. Would any of the panelists like to offer a brief comment, in one sentence, on the importance of focusing on the non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs and how that can inform our policies? Would anyone from the panel like to contribute?

Panelist*: To start, it’s crucial to focus on non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs, including synthetic opioids, because of the risks associated with overdose and the strain it places on national health systems. When we focus on non-medical use, we address potential problems before they escalate. Prevention and ensuring access to medical treatment are key, and we need stricter regulations to maintain security and avoid health crises.

WHO: Now, from the perspective of the WHO, it’s important to recognize the health consequences of overusing certain medicines, such as antibiotics and prescription opioids. Overuse can lead to adverse effects, including the risk of overdose and drug dependence. Appropriate health measures should be in place to mitigate these risks and ensure the safe prescription of such medicines. Thank you very much.

Brazil: From the perspective of psychological dependence, it’s essential to track data and maintain robust surveillance systems. This allows us to monitor long-term outcomes, such as predicting potential risks associated with pharmaceutical misuse and informing better policy decisions.

Canada: I think I’ll just quickly add to everything that’s been said in the studies and some of the national surveys that we’ve done, we found that most people using some of these opioids. Using these stats from using the prescription opioids for non prescription reasons or non reasons, we found that in some situations, since now, proceeds to obtain the substances from the legal market interdependency. So I think that’s one of the important reasons. That’s one of them where it’s necessary to start monitoring how people are using prescriptions, where they’re getting it from, from friends or family members backing forward to any health effects. Thank you

Moderator:  Thank you so much for sharing all your expertise during the session. We’ve heard about the importance of early warning systems and health interventions and counternarcotic interventions, and the importance of ensuring access while preventing diversion, as well as the critical importance of cross sector collaborations and international cooperation. And we’ve heard multiple examples from different countries, from NGOs and from international organizations on how these mechanisms and practices could be maximized to address synthetic opioids and the non medical use of pharmaceutical drugs. And so with that, I thank you very much. I thank you, Mr. Chair and the Secretary for engaging this, and I will turn it back to the Chair.

Chair: Thank you for the moderation and to all our panelists. Now I turn back to the floor and recognize Zimbabwe and Canada.

Zimbabwe: I would like to provide an update on behalf of Zimbabwe. The first pledge made by Zimbabwe in March was to convert at least one decommissioned COVID-19 isolation facility in each of the country’s 10 provinces into comprehensive drug treatment and recovery facilities within the next year. I am pleased to report that 10 facilities have been identified. Two of these are operational, and five have recently been assessed and are scheduled to open by the end of November 2024. The operational centers are the Detox and Rehabilitation Center in Marshall, Central Province, and the Kweku Rehabilitation Center in the Midlands Province. The five centers slated to open include those in Daiwa (Dinara Metropolitan Province), Sima Youth Center in Mazue, Mashonaland Central Province, Lope Mula Clinic in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, a clinic in Mutoko, Mashonaland East Province, and Mafela Dawayna in Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North Province. Resource mobilization efforts from both the Government of Zimbabwe and its partners are ongoing and intensifying to support the rehabilitation and renovation of these facilities. Zimbabwe also pledged to establish a National Drug and Substance Abuse Control Agency. I am happy to report that following cabinet approval of the agency’s principles, a draft bill has been formulated. The bill is currently being finalized by the Attorney General’s Office and will soon be presented to the National Committee, the Cabinet Committee on Legislation, and then to Parliament. Once passed, it will establish and formalize the agency. Finally, Zimbabwe pledged to allocate a minimum of 1.5 million US dollars towards the nation’s drug and substance abuse programs for 2024. I am pleased to confirm that this amount has been allocated by the Treasury, and all seven pillars of the National Drug Abuse Strategy are continuing to implement responsive measures to address drug-related issues. We are also working towards the operationalization of the recently launched Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral National Action Plan on Drug and Substance Abuse for the period 2024-2030. Thank you, Chair.

Canada: I am pleased to provide an update from Canada on our pledge for action at the high-level segment of the CND. This past March, Canada’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions made a pledge emphasizing Canada’s commitment to addressing the world drug situation, as outlined in the 2019 Ministerial Declaration. Addressing the challenges outlined in this declaration is a priority for Canada, as we are currently facing one of the worst public health crises in our history, with no community untouched by this overdose crisis. The crisis is driven by a complex set of factors, including a dangerous and illegal synthetic drug supply. The tragic impacts of this crisis are felt deeply among our friends, families, and neighbors. Canada’s initiatives to address these challenges are guided by the Federal Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. The approaches under this strategy focus on providing access to a full continuum of healthcare services, including treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and prevention, with the ultimate goal of saving lives, connecting people to care, and keeping communities safe. Since our pledge in March, Canada has made investments to continue supporting Canadians across the continuum of care, including a commitment of 150 million dollars over three years for an Emergency Treatment Fund. Additionally, Canada has launched the Canadian Drug and Substance Watch, a public tool that highlights new and emerging psychoactive substances as they appear in Canada’s illegal drug supply. This tool integrates data from various sources, including drug samples submitted by Canadian law enforcement, public health officials, wastewater monitoring, and online monitoring. Canada has also provided funding for 11 projects across the country to support the national implementation and adaptation of the Icelandic prevention model as part of Canada’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Program. We have partnered with our largest mental health and addictions hospital to develop and disseminate a toolkit for pharmacy professionals to raise awareness of stigma and promote best practices for reducing opioid stigma in pharmacy settings. Mr. Chair, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing these challenges. It requires regional, national, and international collaboration. Canada remains committed to the goals outlined in the Ministerial Declaration and will continue to work collaboratively with all partners and communities to save lives.

Chair: Thank you all. Now I open the floor for an interactive discussion.

INCB Secretariat: The Secretariat has recognized the increased harms and deaths caused by non-medical synthetic opioids, falsified pharmaceuticals, and launched its Global Opioids Project in 2017. This morning, I spoke about the suite of tools developed for real-time information for central governments, most recently highlighting Chemical Tyler and Snoop (sic), which target emerging and non-medical synthetic opioids and related pharmaceuticals for government investigators and regulatory agencies. We prioritized collaboration with national authorities and industry leaders to identify public-private partnerships and promising practices in areas such as online marketing, postal and express movement, and the online monetization service industries. These partnerships have strengthened responses to trafficking and illicit manufacturing, as well as various pharmaceutical sales channels. Through technical recommendations and insights from numerous expert group meetings, the project developed practical guidance for voluntary operations in e-commerce, the express courier industry, and internet-related services such as search engines, social media, and online registries. This guidance includes a self-assessment tool for identifying promising practices by both public and private sector entities, enabling them to evaluate their own practices in comparison to those used by other governments and peer industries. These actions have led to measurable reductions in online e-commerce and social media exploitation by opioid traffickers, including the detection and dismantling of over 550,000 online marketplaces selling the deadliest non-medical synthetic opioids and related chemicals. This was discussed earlier this year at the first Global Tech Against Trafficking event at the United Nations in Vienna. Currently, regional technical officers are using this guidance to facilitate cooperation between governments and international partners to improve internal policies, secure national supply chains, and prevent exploitation. This series is expanding with new practices from technical experts to address online monetization exploitation and provide prevention and remediation strategies, all shown to reduce trafficking in non-medical synthetic opioids. Many government agencies have yet to use some of these innovative tools. Governments interested in seeing demonstrations of these tools or receiving guidance can reach out to the Implementation Center or contact regional technical officers in Egypt, India, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Nigeria, and Thailand. Thank you.

EU: Thank you, Mr. Chair. We are deeply concerned about the increased availability of synthetic opioids and the associated harms in Europe. According to the European Drug Report 2024, synthetic opioids, including medicines and fentanyl, have been linked to a rise in overdose deaths in certain parts of Europe. These substances are sometimes sold as synthetic heroin and have been detected in counterfeit medicines on the drug market. The difficulty in identifying such substances poses a serious risk to people who use drugs and complicates the responses by medical professionals. Therefore, there is an urgent need for solutions that allow for the rapid identification of these substances and provide effective risk management. The European Drug Report 2024 also highlights an increase in poly-drug use, which presents growing challenges. This is partly due to the increased market integration of established illicit drugs and psychoactive substances, and partly due to the wider availability and use of synthetic substances. An additional concern is that substances may be sold containing one or more drugs other than what the purchaser was expecting. Such poly-drug use increases the risk of health problems and complicates the delivery of effective interventions. The evolving drug situation presents new challenges to public health, and as a result, we must adapt our actions, including prevention, early intervention, treatment, and harm reduction measures. We emphasize that interventions must be based on scientific evidence, tailored to the needs of targeted groups, and delivered by trained, specialized professionals and peers. It is crucial to protect individuals from the health, social, and societal harms associated with synthetic opioids, including marginalization and stigmatization, while contributing to their reintegration into society. It is also essential to have the capacity to identify substances involved in drug-related overdoses and adjust our responses based on evidence. A better understanding of drug markets, emerging trends, and threats is critical. For this, we need reliable data, research, and increased data exchange. We count on the European Drugs Agency (EDA) for support in this area. In March, the European Union pledged to increase its preparedness and capacity to respond to future developments by empowering the EDA to carry out proactive threat assessments and to develop a rapid European drug alert system. This system would complement existing early warning systems and contribute to safeguarding public health and security. The EDA became operational on July 2nd of this year, succeeding the former European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), with a broader mandate to issue warnings about particularly dangerous substances entering the market. A network of forensic and toxicological laboratories will also be established to facilitate information exchange on new trends and developments, as well as to train national forensic drug experts. Distinguished Chair, the EU and its member states continue to strongly support an integrated, balanced, and evidence-based approach that addresses both demand and harm reduction alongside supply reduction in the implementation of joint commitments to tackle the global drug situation. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Venezuela:  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the panelists for their distinguished presentations today, as well as for the opportunity to speak on this important issue regarding prescription drugs, synthetic opioids, and their availability and misuse. We would like to inform the Assembly that Venezuela has reinforced its efforts to control the use and distribution of synthetic opioids. However, most of our efforts are a response to the entry of these substances into our national territory through neighboring countries. Venezuelan health authorities have worked closely to ensure that controlled pharmaceutical products, such as fentanyl, meet international safety standards and are distributed only within our national healthcare system. This comprehensive approach is aligned with our national policy, which integrates prevention, control, and education in addressing the public health problem, with full respect for human dignity and human rights. While we maintain strict control measures, Venezuela emphasizes that the availability of controlled drugs for medical treatment must be ensured to protect the right to health and life. Under no circumstances should access to essential medicines be restricted for political reasons or unilateral policy measures that harm entire populations. Venezuelan actions are informed by the principle of shared but differentiated responsibility of both producer and consumer countries facing these challenges. We emphasize that combating the drug problem should adhere to the purposes of the UN Charter, including full respect for the sovereignty and dignity of all nations. Venezuela calls upon all states to enhance regulation and oversight of these substances and to promote technical cooperation in line with the principles outlined in international treaties. Thank you very much.

Australia:  Like many regions around the world, Australia is deeply concerned about the rise of synthetic opioids and their associated harms, which have contributed to overdose and death in the country. In 2022, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, pyrimidine, and pethidine were responsible for 240 overdose deaths in Australia. These substances were first detected in Australia when they appeared in heroin and counterfeit oxycodone, as well as non-opioid substances such as cocaine, counterfeit Xanax, MDMA, GHB, ketamine, and even baker’s yeast. Early warning systems remain a critical tool in addressing emerging drug threats such as nitazenes. Australia’s Prong Response Network brings together early warning systems from across Australia and New Zealand to provide timely alerts to stakeholders, including health professionals, service providers, and consumers. The network uses data from various sources, including law enforcement, public health, academia, and the informal sector. Since June 2022, this network has issued 18 public health alerts related to the discovery of nitazenes in other drugs. Both pre-consumption and post-consumption data are highly valuable for early warning. Pre-consumption data, such as drug checking and seizure information, is particularly advantageous because it allows for detection without an overdose event. This data also enables harm reduction strategies, including preemptive alerts. Australia is also addressing the risk of overdose from synthetic opioids through our national take-home Naloxone program, which provides Naloxone free of charge and without a prescription to anyone who may witness or experience an opioid overdose or adverse reaction. Between July 2023 and October 2024, around 460,000 units of Naloxone have been distributed across Australia through at least 4,800 providers. In addition to this program, paramedics and police in certain jurisdictions are trained to carry and administer Naloxone in the event of an opioid overdose. Furthermore, Australia has introduced reforms to improve access to opioid agonist medicines such as methadone and buprenorphine. Some Australian jurisdictions have also implemented additional harm reduction services, including drug checking, to further combat the threat of adulterated substances. Over the past decade, Australia has introduced a series of measures to reduce the non-medical use of pharmaceuticals, including up-scheduling codeine to a prescription-only medicine, which has resulted in a 46% reduction in the amount of codeine supplied to patients. Other regulatory changes include smaller pack sizes for immediate-release prescription opioids and warnings about the potential for harmful use in product information. Australia has also adopted a National Real-Time Prescription Monitoring System, which provides prescribers, dispensers, and regulators with timely information about a patient’s access to high-risk medicines. This system helps to inform safer prescribing and dispensing practices. Finally, we must acknowledge the persistent global disparity in the availability and access to controlled medicines. According to the 2024 report, 87% of the world’s population lives without adequate access to pharmaceutical opioids for pain relief and palliative care. In light of this, Australia remains committed to addressing this disparity and continues to support the UNODC, the World Health Organization, and the Union for International Cancer Control’s joint global program, which is being implemented in Timor Leste, Fiji, and Indonesia. Australia is dedicated to working with the international community to effectively address the risks posed by synthetic opioids and the non-medical use of prescription drugs, while ensuring the adequate availability and access to controlled substances for medical purposes so that no patient is left behind.

Thailand: Thailand is committed to advancing drug control policies to address emerging challenges, particularly in the area of opioid use. The Thai government is responsible for regulating the supply of opioid medications, primarily through the Narcotics Control Board, under the oversight of the Thai Food and Drug Administration. This ensures that distribution is tightly controlled. Thailand is actively engaged in implementing measures to address opioid use, including regulation, inspection, and active control of the dispensing of opioids. The country is also fostering collaboration and utilizing technology to enhance reporting and improve the management of opioid-related issues. These efforts are particularly important in ensuring safe access to medical treatment while minimizing risks associated with opioid misuse. Thailand remains fully committed to international cooperation and maintaining access to medical treatment while addressing the challenges posed by opioid misuse. We are dedicated to advancing solutions to protect public health while managing opioid-related risks effectively.

UK: The UK faces an increasing risk from synthetic opioids, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss this important issue on an international scale. Over the past year, the UK has seen a rise in synthetic opioid-related concerns. In response, the UK government has implemented a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to detect and control these substances, including enhanced access to Naloxone to mitigate the harmful impact of synthetic opioids. The sale and supply of falsified and unauthorized medicines is a global problem, which is also reflected in the UK market. We highly value our close international relationships and strengthened intelligence sharing, which has led to a significant increase in the interception of illegal medicines over the past two years. These partnerships are crucial in combating international drug trafficking and reducing the diversion of controlled medicines into the UK, with a particular focus on monitoring unusual sales patterns and ensuring supply chain security. Both of these challenges require evidence-based policy solutions, and the UK is committed to working with experts, sharing best practices, and collaborating with international partners—particularly through initiatives such as the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, established by the US. We also call on our international partners to support us in regulating the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs by sharing developments and knowledge that the UK can benefit from. We look forward to sharing successful strategies with other countries and working together to reduce the misuse of synthetic opioids and pharmaceutical drugs. Thank you.

South Africa: South Africa’s services regulator, SAMHRA, and the Department of Health are responsible for issuing appropriate levels of control in line with international drug control conventions. Their focus is on regulating, monitoring, and ensuring the proper use of controlled substances to meet medical and scientific needs without facilitating misuse. The primary consideration for scheduling substances is safety in relation to therapeutic use. South Africa continues to submit reports on the import, export, manufacture, possession, and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to international bodies. The Department of Health has also conducted training for healthcare providers on the effective use of controlled substances to ensure their appropriate use and minimize the risk of misuse. Together with SAMHRA, the Department carries out joint audits of healthcare facilities to ensure compliance and proper record-keeping. Public awareness campaigns have been undertaken to educate the public on the improper use of controlled substances and the risk of diversion. These activities are essential in maintaining the integrity of the medical and scientific use of these substances. One of the measures taken to address the increasing issues of substance misuse, including opioids, is the development of new draft guidelines under the COVID care initiative. This guideline would allow regulators to request sales data from manufacturers, suppliers, or distributors of any scheduled substances, enabling them to track the flow of substances from production to dispensary. In conclusion, South Africa maintains that the scheduling and control of substances to prevent diversion and non-medical use should not interfere with or limit the legitimate needs for essential medicines for patients with valid medical conditions. A balanced approach is needed to control these substances while ensuring their availability and affordability to protect and promote public health and safety. Thank you.

Peru: I think it is important to address the issue of synthetic opioid use, which, although variable, has been reported by authorities as a growing concern. Despite the relatively minor scale of synthetic drug consumption, substances like fentanyl have significant implications, both in terms of consumption and international trafficking for medical and non-therapeutic use. Drug control regulations prioritize government action to control the supply and prevent the consumption of high-incidence substances, such as cocaine. However, we are evaluating and addressing the potential risks posed by the increase in illicit trade and the rising prevalence of consumption of new psychoactive substances, designer drugs, and synthetic opioids. An example of ongoing efforts in this regard is the event organized in November 2023, together with the UNODC and the Embassy of the United States, which focused on addressing threats such as the creation of foreign inspections of chemical records and illegal fentanyl manufacturing techniques. Additionally, this initiative is part of the Spark Initiative, supported by the US, which promotes measures to regulate chemicals and medicines used in the manufacture of synthetic drugs within the framework of the Global Coalition on Synthetic Drugs, established by the US Department of State in July 2023. We are proud to be a part of this coalition. Finally, in June 2023, we signed a working agreement with the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction to promote the exchange of methodologies, expertise, and data on substances, as well as to strengthen early warning systems on drugs.

UNODC: I would like to focus my intervention on the solutions available to all through the UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy. This strategy serves as a framework for action, centered around four complementary spheres: multilateralism and international collaboration, early warning, science-informed health responses, and counternarcotic interventions.Each year, the strategy outlines various action items to assist and guide countries in identifying, tailoring, and adopting effective measures to address the growing challenges of synthetic drugs. As part of the UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy, and in collaboration with 13 UNODC partner programs, we have provided capacity building and technical assistance to over 130 countries in areas such as drug identification, safe handling and management of drugs and precursors, safe and environmentally friendly disposal, crime scene investigations, advanced investigative techniques, legal capacity for prosecutors and judges in synthetic drug cases, cryptocurrency and dark web investigations, anti-money laundering, addressing corruption in the forensic sector, and early warning systems. A significant resource is the UN toolkit on synthetic drugs, which was developed collaboratively with UNODC, the INCB, and the WHO. This toolkit houses over 500 practical resources and has been accessed by more than 290,000 users. It includes 50 model modules available in all six official UN languages, covering thematic areas such as forensics, precursor control, air trafficking, safe handling and disposal, legislative responses to synthetic drugs, advanced investigative techniques, public-private partnerships, cybercrime, crime scene investigations, prevention, treatment and care, and access and diversion prevention. In the coming year, we will launch new programs to strengthen international and regional cooperation on synthetic drugs, such as the International Network for Legislation on Drugs, Financial Institutions Against Drugs, and Justices United Against Synthetic Trafficking. Additionally, the UNODC Leaders Fellowship Program will help enhance scientific capacity building and technical assistance, especially in dismantling clandestine laboratories and drug profiling. Ladies and gentlemen, together with our partners, we are working to help member states build capacity to predict, prevent, and protect against the threats posed by synthetic drugs. While the UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy is specifically tailored to synthetic drugs, its guidance, resources, and tools broadly contribute to addressing the overall goals of the World Drug Programme. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Argentina: Distinguished delegates, We recognize the challenges posed by fentanyl and the need for technical assistance to effectively address this issue. One of the main challenges identified so far is the successful manufacture of fentanyl, and it is critical to emphasize the importance of increasing technical knowledge and raising awareness about the serious consequences of fentanyl abuse. We are committed to supporting the creation of institutional solutions and providing technical assistance to enhance prevention efforts. These efforts also focus on the prevention of fentanyl trafficking and its illicit trade, which is crucial for addressing the broader global impact of synthetic drugs. We would like to highlight our technical assistance project against synthetic drugs in Argentina, which provides safe and updated resources for dealing with synthetic substances, including 127 synthetic drugs.

VNGOC:  I am here representing [Association Project], a civil society organization based in Spain. Today, I speak on behalf of nearly 600 organizations in 158 countries, including NGOs, networks, academia, and governments, supporting the global initiative on drug use prevention. The Declaration of Oviedo is a groundbreaking global effort aimed at strengthening and scaling up effective, evidence-based prevention in drug policy at global, national, and local levels. As we gather to address the synthetic opioids crisis and the non-medical use of prescription drugs, the importance of prevention has never been clearer. Science increasingly shows that a significant portion of drug use-related problems is preventable. The 2023 World Drug Report highlighted the need for large-scale, international drug use prevention initiatives. In June 2023, national and international experts convened in Oviedo, Spain, to discuss effective strategies aligned with scientific standards. From this consultation, over 200 experts drafted the Declaration of Oviedo, which includes 10 guiding protocols and is now translated into more than 40 languages. We call for countries to allocate at least 25% of their drug demand reduction budget to prevention by 2030, emphasizing strategies that target all ages and prioritize early intervention. We advocate for more research and evaluation to eliminate ineffective practices, focusing on individuals and communities rather than just on drugs. Intersectional approaches should be mainstreamed to support at-risk populations, and multi-stakeholder systems should be enhanced to provide universal care as a human right, with a special focus on low- and middle-income countries. Empowering future prevention professionals is key, as is accountable monitoring to track policy status and impact. Full details of this initiative, along with a list of supporting organizations in each country, can be found at OviedoDeclaration.org. Prevention is essential to address the crisis of synthetic opioids and the non-medical use of prescription drugs in the long term. That is why today we encourage member states to prioritize discussions on evidence-based prevention in the next session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Thank you for your attention.

CHAMPS, UNODC: I will try to combine some remarks that I had prepared for the session this morning, which I was unable to deliver, and work backwards from there. Starting with today’s session, I would like to build on the points raised regarding access to controlled medicines. We have heard how essential controlled medicines are, yet access remains limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Barriers to access not only go against the commitments of the conventions but also hinder progress in addressing this issue. What I would like to emphasize at this point is that overcoming these barriers is completely possible—and can be done safely and effectively. The UNODC’s Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation sections are collaborating with WHO, ISV, and many other international and civil society organizations in a joint program, which was mentioned by the distinguished delegates from Australia, to support member states. We are currently working in four countries, and we aim to expand this effort to many more. We have established a technical working group devoted to fostering joint advocacy and programming, and I look forward to seeing the results of this collaboration soon. We have also launched a network of young doctors, who are the future of our health systems, to increase their capacity in ensuring access to controlled medicines. We thank all those who have nominated candidates for this network. Rest assured, this network is already hard at work. Furthermore, we aim to develop more tools and make them available to the international community. For example, last month, we organized a technical consultation meeting on the diversion of controlled medicines, a topic that was raised earlier today in this room. Addressing concerns about diversion is crucial for improving access to controlled medicines, and we are planning more initiatives to respond to the challenges raised in the discussions today. For example, we are considering the link to non-medical use and the potential role of electronic monitoring systems. Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, I would also like to return to the discussion this morning and highlight our collective need to invest in evidence-based drug prevention, treatment, and care. I was pleased to hear many interventions that touched on this, including the connection to mental health services. Had we collectively invested seriously 5 to 10 years ago in interventions based on scientific evidence, considering gender and age, we would likely not be facing the current concerns over expanding and diversifying drug markets. There would have been less demand, and consequently, fewer health and social consequences. The treatment gap has been widening over the last five years, and urgent action is needed. UNODC, together with WHO and other intergovernmental organizations, has developed a range of tools to facilitate the creation of service systems. These tools align with the UNODC-WHO international framework for drug use disorders. These systems include all necessary interventions to protect and promote the health of people who use drugs, and to support recovery if individuals choose that path. This includes everything from screening and brief interventions to needle exchange programs, pharmacological options like opioid therapy, psychosocial therapies for overdose management, and recovery support. We are available to assist the international community with all these efforts. In this context, we have identified an important gap: currently, there are no medications approved for the treatment of stimulant use disorders. Moreover, evidence-based psychosocial therapies for these disorders are not widely utilized. This is why, during the last CND, we launched a scalable initiative to support research in finding solutions for stimulant use disorders—solutions that will be scalable worldwide. I invite all member states to join and support this initiative. Lastly, I want to mention our recent launch of the “Children Amplified” prevention services in March. With the support of member states, we aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of building prevention systems that break the cycle of vulnerability linked to socio-economic disadvantage. As we discussed this morning, mental health is a key aspect of prevention. We are honored that this issue has received significant attention, and we encourage everyone to learn more about the progress of this initiative at the upcoming conference on Friday at 10 AM.

VNGOC: I am honored to represent the voices that are often overlooked in drug policy discussions. The current market dynamics reveal a decline in heroin availability in the United States and Canada, leading to a shift towards synthetic opioids and adulterants. These adulterants are often added to opioids like heroin or morphine for various reasons. In our survey, 96% of users preferred diamorphine over fentanyl and other adulterants. To address these issues, we developed a real-time alert platform called the Rapid System, which collects data to inform decision-making. From September 2022 to July 2024, we analyzed a sample of 1,875 samples from British Columbia, a province with high overdose rates. Out of these, 7,170 samples triggered alerts, with over 55% of them involving unknown opioid combinations. These samples were confirmed by the largest drug-checking lab in the province, highlighting the challenges of new, potent opioid combinations that are increasingly difficult to detect. While synthetic opioids, including adulterants, pose risks for all users, they disproportionately affect young women, increasing their vulnerability to infection and other health risks. These drugs are often engineered to avoid law enforcement detection, complicating efforts by harm reduction professionals and law enforcement alike. As the composition of synthetic opioids becomes more complex and potent, it is crucial to note that many users do not seek these substances but rather, face the consequences of a market that has evolved to avoid detection and regulation. The risk factors for users, particularly those with disabilities, include restricted access to prescribed alternatives and rigid prescribing guidelines. This lack of flexibility increases the vulnerability of certain populations, particularly women and youth, to exploitation. To address these issues, we recommend the following:

1. Expanding access to prescribed alternatives, including diamorphine, for youth and individuals with disabilities.
2. Increasing the variety of prescribed opioids available for youth who do not wish to inject.
3. Implementing person-centered treatment approaches and wraparound care, which includes access to housing and employment.
4. Strengthening community harm reduction measures, such as increasing funding for youth-led organizations and public health initiatives.
5. Supporting collaboration across all stakeholders in harm reduction efforts.

Additionally, we recognize that detection technologies used by harm reduction professionals should differ from those employed by law enforcement, as the illicit market will continue to find new ways to circumvent detection. I look forward to collaborating with all of you on these critical issues. Thank you.

France: I truly appreciate this morning’s session, which was rich in setting the scene and describing the complex landscape we face. It reaffirmed the need for collective action to strengthen our efforts against COVID-19 and counter narcotrafficking. I align with the statement made by the distinguished representative of Europe and would like to make a few additional remarks. First, my delegation is particularly concerned about recent shifts in drug trends, such as the rise in synthetic drugs, the increased use of ketamine, and poly-drug consumption in Europe. There is an urgent need for multidisciplinary treatment approaches for drug and opioid users. As a first reaction to the morning panelists, I would like to support what the representative of Interpol mentioned, specifically the need to enhance cooperation and intelligence sharing on the latest trends in the drug sector. Data is crucial—without reliable data, authorities will struggle to effectively target, disrupt, and dismantle networks. Without real, actionable data, we won’t make progress. Second, human rights must remain at the heart of all our policies against the illegal drug trade. In response to the Mexican analysis, I want to underline that the impact of drug use on our citizens’ health, including mental health, is a growing concern. The transmission rates of HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases associated with drug abuse remain high due to the persistent inefficiencies in health services and treatment. France has long been committed to supporting equitable access to healthcare for people worldwide, including through contributions to the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, as well as UNITAID and UNAIDS. We must collectively reinforce our focus on prevention, particularly for children and teenagers, as well as for women and vulnerable populations. Harm reduction measures targeting women must also be prioritized. I also join Brazil in highlighting another pressing challenge: the environmental impact of the drug trade, including drug manufacturing, production, trafficking, and consumption. The global environmental toll, such as air, water, and soil pollution, as well as deforestation, must be better understood. This calls for innovative approaches and solutions that address both environmental and health concerns. I would like to thank the UNODC for chairing this morning’s panel and for raising awareness of this critical issue. The risks caused by drugs are serious and ever-evolving. We must confront them while upholding our respect for human rights and adhering to international drug control conventions. As a member of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, France remains committed to engaging with the UNODC and all its partners.

Japan: The trafficking of synthetic drugs is an escalating threat to health, security, and socio-economic stability. The increased potency and high mortality rates have exacerbated this threat, creating a formidable challenge. Japan has been closely monitoring this issue, particularly in Southeast Asia, where the synthetic drug market has expanded significantly. The Golden Triangle has been recognized as a major production hub in Southeast Asia, but now synthetic drug production has spread to neighboring countries, creating numerous scattered sites. This expansion of the drug trade has introduced complex challenges for detection and monitoring. In response, Japan advocates for a balanced international approach that addresses both the supply and demand sides of this crisis. We have valuable tools at our disposal, including frameworks for information sharing, which connect our efforts. Japan also believes we can directly benefit from global initiatives, such as the U.S.-led Global Coalition, which promotes robust solutions to address synthetic drug threats. For these efforts to succeed, it is essential that we move forward in a unified way. We recognize that the crisis can only be addressed through collective action. Thank you.

UK: Thank you, Chair, for giving me the floor, and thanks to the panelists for their presentations this morning. The UK is committed to ensuring that our law enforcement agencies and their global partners have the support they need to tackle new drug threats. Let me briefly outline how we are achieving this. First, the diversification of drug markets requires innovative, more flexible legal frameworks. In the UK, the Psychoactive Substances Act was introduced in 2016, granting law enforcement the power to prosecute the supply of any psychoactive substances not already controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act, or otherwise exempt. Second, timely data is crucial. The UK has established an early warning system to monitor emerging drug threats. This includes national data collection programs for laboratory-confirmed detections of substances in illicit markets, such as a post-tech surveillance system for samples from individuals entering treatment, drug checkers, and police testing. We also continue to support the UNODC’s early warning advisory platform, which is vital for informing our collective response. Law enforcement collaboration through agencies like Europol and Interpol, and information sharing facilitated by the IMCB and UNODC, is essential in shaping our understanding of the threats we face. The UK is proud to lead a line of action as part of the second year of the Global Coalition to address synthetic drug threats. We look forward to bringing this initiative to the CND and working through the Commission to further our efforts. We are grateful to our partners in this room for their continued support. Thank you.

Lithuania: First of all, my delegation would like to express our gratitude to you and the Secretary-General for organizing this important discussion on such a complex and critical public health issue. We believe that a long-term, consistent, and balanced approach is essential, as the best results are achieved by applying general measures to reduce both supply and demand, while providing harm reduction strategies for effective management. It is crucial to ensure institutional and international cooperation, as well as coordination in carrying out monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of measures. Cannabis remains the most commonly used drug in Europe. However, the recent evolution of the drug landscape has introduced a broader range of substances and increasingly diversified markets. The challenges we are facing today indicate that the current approach is no longer fully relevant, as the drug market is becoming more complex. Criminal law must adopt bold strategies, while recognizing that patterns of drug consumption change rapidly, creating new and emerging trends in the market. For example, the rise in new psychoactive substances is a notable development. The dynamics of drug markets have shifted over the past decade, not only due to the expansion of existing drugs, but also because of changes in the regions most affected. According to data from the Criminal Police Bureau, criminal offenses related to the possession of narcotic and psychotropic substances—both for distribution and personal use—have increased. Notably, there has been a rise in the seizure of commonly abused drugs. Since 2020, drug-related crime has increased significantly, with the amount of confiscated drugs doubling, and the seizure of MDMA growing by two and a half times. Scientific cannabinoids have also doubled, and cocaine seizures have risen by over 60 times. This trend is concerning, as the use of multiple substances and the resulting dependence requires an integrated, evidence-based approach. Therefore, my country supports the adoption of a long-term national agenda for drug and alcohol control, including prevention and harm reduction, extending through 2055. The government has already adopted the 2024-2026 action plan, which outlines 42 initiatives developed in close collaboration with relevant actors and ministries. This agenda and action plan provide an opportunity to positively influence and improve public health and social outcomes. By acting globally, we can help create an environment for the development of effective drug policies that will benefit our own country while contributing to global progress. Thank you very much.

Morocco: I would like to congratulate you, as well as the Secretary, for organizing this important discussion on the implementation of international projects, following up on the Ministerial Declaration of 2020. I also appreciate your informative presentation on the progress made in the implementation of all international policy commitments, particularly those related to addressing drug use and trafficking. As we face significant challenges in combating the world drug problem, the complexity of the issue has only increased. According to the latest reports from UNODC and INCB, the global drug problem continues to pose major health risks, with an increase in drug production and the emergence of new substances, particularly synthetic drugs and co-active substances. The wide availability of drugs online further complicates regulation and enforcement. Moreover, access to treatment remains limited, with a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. This has severe consequences for public health, security, and economic stability. In response to these challenges, we must intensify our efforts to target drug trafficking channels by adopting innovative strategies. This requires enhanced international cooperation, effective prevention programs, suitable treatment strategies, and robust health research. We must actively participate in negotiations and fully commit to implementing the policy documents adopted, particularly the high-level declaration of 2019. This declaration underscores our collective responsibility to accelerate the implementation of international agreements and strategies aimed at combating drug use and trafficking. The integrated strategy to combat drug use and trafficking should comply with international conventions, prevent addictive behaviors at an early stage, and target both the supply and demand of drugs. It must be grounded in human rights, sustainable development, and active engagement with civil society. Our efforts should include the adoption of preventive measures to raise public awareness of the dangers of illicit drug use and the establishment of treatment and rehabilitation facilities for drug addiction. The action plan should extend through 2025 and focus on improving the management of drug addiction cases, including programs for drug users and the development of socio-economic projects at the bilateral, sub-regional, and international levels. In addition, we are pleased to inform you that local authorities have continued their efforts to strengthen the capacities of African countries. This includes organizing training programs to enhance skills in investigation, technical and scientific policies, and criminal intelligence. Officers from 16 African countries have participated in these programs, which provide valuable experience in addressing the global drug problem. We also continue to foster exchanges of reports and operational intelligence with African countries, especially those in Morocco. Lastly, we are committed to furthering development and social responses to this issue, recognizing the importance of cooperation in addressing the root causes and consequences of drug abuse globally.

Belgium: Further focus should be placed on the decisions and actions guaranteed by the discussions today, particularly regarding synthetic drugs and prescription drugs, which present significant challenges to public health and security worldwide. It is crucial to take comprehensive steps to address these challenges through a coordinated approach. National drug agencies must lead the fight against organized crime and develop innovative strategies. In this context, efforts have been made to expand legal frameworks to combat organized crime, particularly regarding the interception of drugs and hosted packages transported by air. However, one key challenge remains: some of these implemented practices need to foster better information sharing, especially within the private sector. It is important to emphasize that the prescription of drugs to patients must continue to be handled with care, while navigating the complexities surrounding these issues.

VNGOC: As the President of CDLL, a Lebanese civil society organization committed to youth prevention and addiction treatment since 2006, I address you under the umbrella of the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs, with deep concern about the rapidly expanding and diversifying drug crisis in Lebanon. Decades of conflict have made Lebanon a key player in regional drug trafficking and illicit cultivation. Over the past 20 years, Lebanon’s illicit drug production, initially focused on opiates and cannabis cultivation, has shifted to Captagon, largely due to the Syrian conflict, followed by increased methamphetamine production. Synthetic drug labs have expanded in the Bekaa Valley and along Lebanon’s borders. Captagon, originally produced for armed groups, is now spreading internally, and its trade is affecting regional politics and threatening social peace. The legalization of cannabis for medical use has worsened the situation, with poor government regulation and the normalization of cannabis use, especially among youth. Furthermore, the internet has broadened drug markets, making it easier for traffickers to reach isolated communities. In 2001, the reported age of first use was just 9 years old. Lebanon’s people have paid a tremendous price for 15 years of civil war and ongoing crises that fueled addiction. This, coupled with increased drug availability, psychological fragility, economic hardship, and a more permissive culture, has led to rising consumption, particularly of cannabis and alcohol, as people seek relief from stress and anxiety caused by events like the economic collapse and the 2020 Beirut port explosion. The war has exacerbated these issues, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths, 13,500 injuries, and nearly 1.2 million internally displaced persons (as of November 5). The school year has not started, as half of the country’s public schools have been repurposed as shelters. 1.5 million children face a sixth year of disrupted education, raising deep concerns for their well-being and Lebanon’s generational recovery. Addiction treatment has been severely impacted, forcing rehab centers to close and hindering healthcare service provision. Civil society organizations are struggling to meet soaring demand. Public healthcare is under extreme stress, with over 100 primary healthcare centers and 8 major hospitals shut down, and detox services suspended. In a region marked by conflict and complexity, halting the proliferation and trafficking of drugs is not an easy task. However, we can and must focus on preventing substance abuse, as it remains a critical issue that we have the power to address. It is crucial to:

• Implement programs targeting both in- and out-of-school youth.
• Strengthen coordination between international and local organizations.
• Promote a localizing model that channels funding directly to local organizations, bypassing inefficient and corrupted government mechanisms to ensure resources reach individuals requiring treatment, preventive care, and relief.
• Enhance data collection frameworks and improve the capabilities of field actors.
• Above all, we must stop the war, as its impact spreads across geographies, cultures, and communities, affecting us all. A ceasefire is crucial—not only to stop the violence but to prevent the trauma that fuels growing despair, mental health distress, and addiction for generations to come.

Thank you.

Chair: We have come to the end of today’s session. Thank you everyone. We will reconvene tomorrow.