INCB presents to the Fifth International Conference on Novel Psychoactive Substances
Vienna, 27 October 2017 - Two representatives from the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), secretariat's Precursors Control Section presented at the Fifth International Conference on Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) held in Vienna from 23 to 24 October 2017.
The conference aimed to share evidence-based information on NPS, the latest trends of misuse, and how to improve the understanding of clinical treatments and management of NPS use, among other objectives.
INCB's presentation on "Precursor Control and the Chemistry of NPS," discussed the challenges of and responses to NPS precursors in the context of the broader group of non-scheduled chemicals. The recent scheduling of fentanyl precursors, which can also be used as precursors for a number of fentanyl analogues, was given as one example of expedited cooperation at the international level. In light of the vast number of potential NPS precursors, there was a need to focus international scheduling on priority substances and consider other means of intervention. Ways to achieve this included the exchange of, and follow-up on, actionable information, for instance through the Precursors Incident Communication System (PICS), as well as enhanced cooperation between competent authorities and relevant industries.
INCB's second presentation, "Supporting Law Enforcement Responses to NPS," emphasized the critical role of knowledge sharing through INCB's operational approaches, such as International Operations on New Psychoactive Substances (Project ION) and Project ION Incident Communication System (IONICS). Illustrating Government cooperation, INCB gave an example of how these communication platforms provide special notifications, which can facilitate and support information sharing for law enforcement investigations on NPS trafficking.
Both presentations created dialogue and exchange on the innovative ways INCB is supporting Governments in their efforts to avoid diversion.