INCB convenes expert group meeting on national practices related to cooperation with chemical industry on precursors and non-scheduled chemicals used in illicit drug manufacture |
VIENNA, 3 December 2021 - INCB convened an expert group meeting on national practices related to cooperation with the chemical industry in the area of precursors and non-scheduled chemicals used in illicit drug manufacture on 2 December 2021.
Some 70 experts from 24 national authorities, including from countries with major chemical markets, together with representatives from national and regional industry associations, shared their experiences and discussed possible models for proactive, mutually beneficial cooperation in the area of precursor control.
In her opening statement, the President of the International Narcotics Control Board, Ms. Jagjit Pavadia, reiterated that cooperation with industry has long been a cornerstone in addressing illicit drug manufacture and that this cooperation is playing an increasingly significant role due to the continuous evolution of illicit drugs markets and the capacity of criminals to rapidly adjust manufacturing processes and products to counter control measures. Ms. Pavadia also highlighted the need for both accelerating and strengthening the way knowledge and experiences are shared between Governments and the private sector.
During this event, experts presented national practices as well as normative and operational frameworks for cooperation with the chemical industry. Acknowledging the richness and diversity of models and experiences encountered globally, participants highlighted the relevance of the frameworks that enable national coordination mechanisms throughout all sectors of the industry. They agreed on the importance of devising strategies based on voluntary engagement and recognised the need to use platforms such as those established by INCB to identify and implement best practices.
INCB plans to make a selection of these national practices available to governments during the course of 2022. This will further complement the Board's existing manuals that are currently in use by Governments to develop or enhance cooperation with industry. These materials are available on the INCB web page: https://www.incb.org/incb/en/precursors/index.html.
***
INCB is the independent, quasi-judicial body charged with promoting and monitoring Government compliance with the three international drug control conventions: the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Established by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, the thirteen members of the Board are elected in a personal capacity by the Economic and Social Council for terms of five years.