INCB holds consultation with Member States on operational responses to counter the public health threats posed by trafficking in synthetic drugs and their precursors
VIENNA, 10 November - The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) held consultations with Member States on operational responses to counter the public health threats posed by trafficking in synthetic drugs and their precursors. The consultation was held on 9 November 2023 during the 138th session of the Board and Member States were invited to share their perspectives on the issue.
Following an introductory statement by the INCB President, Jallal Toufiq, statements were made by Dr. Zukiswa Zingela, Second Vice-President and Chair of the Standing Committee on Estimates, David T. Johnson, Pierre Lapaque and Jagjit Pavadia of the Board. The Board recalled the 2018 United Nations General Assembly Resolution 73/192 that noted with grave concern the threat posed to public health globally by the increased misuse of certain drugs. During the meeting, the Board emphasized the human cost of the synthetic drug crisis and the devastating impact of synthetic drugs on the wellbeing of individuals, their families and local communities. The Board highlighted that the trend towards synthetic drugs offers drug traffickers almost infinite alternatives for illicit manufacture and that illicit manufacture of synthetic drugs also requires the use of specialized equipment. The Board shared a comprehensive overview of the various operational responses facilitated by INCB under its precursor control programme and the Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme to counter the public health threats posed by the trafficking of synthetic drugs. These unique approaches respond to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 73/192, which called for international cooperation to counter the world drug problem.
Representatives of 44 Permanent Missions attended the consultation and shared their views on the challenges posed by synthetic drugs.
The INCB President closed the meeting by extending the Board's gratitude to all those that have supported and joined INCB to address the public health threats posed by trafficking in synthetic drugs. The INCB President stated "Together, we are making a real difference in countering the public health threats posed by trafficking in synthetic drugs and their precursors, and we are determined to build a safer, healthier world for all."