Mission to Brazil

An INCB mission, led by its President Dr. Philip Emafo, visited Brazil from 11 to 15 December 2006. The mission examined the changes of the drug control situation in the country since the last INCB mission in 2003 and also included Dr. Camilo Uribe Granja, member of the Board, Mr. Koli Kouame, Secretary of INCB, accompanied by Ms. Margarethe Ehrenfeldner, Drug Control Officer of the INCB Secretariat.

The mission met with senior officials of the Brazilian Government, including the Minister of Health, the Under-Secretary-General for South America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vice Minister of Justice, and other officials from agencies involved in drug control, for instance the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD), the regulatory authority for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (ANVISA), law enforcement authorities as well as the Customs Directorate.

Subjects discussed by the mission and the Government touched upon all issues related to the implementation of the provisions of the international drug control treaties by Brazil, such as the illicit trafficking of drugs and precursors in the country, the drug abuse situation, control over the trade and distribution of pharmaceuticals and precursors to prevent their diversion into illicit channels and other measures to counter illicit activities related to drugs.

More information regarding the findings of the mission will be included in the INCB Annual Report for 2007, to be published in early 2008.

 

Mission to Peru

An INCB mission, led by its President Dr. Philip Emafo, visited Peru from 5 to 7 December 2006. The mission examined the changes of the drug control situation in the country since the last INCB mission in 2003 and also included Dr. Camilo Uribe Granja, member of INCB, Mr. Koli Kouame, Secretary of INCB, accompanied by Ms. Margarethe Ehrenfeldner, Drug Control Officer of the INCB Secretariat.

The mission met with senior officials of the Peruvian Government, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Vice Minister of Industry, the Attorney-General of Peru, Justice, the Executive President of the National Anti-Drug Commission (DEVIDA), and other officials from agencies involved in drug control, for instance the regulatory authority for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (DIGEMID), law enforcement authorities as well as the Customs Directorate, and visited non-governmental organizations specializing in prevention and treatment of drug abuse. The mission also visited the Empresa Nacional de la Coca (ENACO).

Subjects discussed by the mission and the Government touched upon all issues related to the implementation of the provisions of the international drug control treaties by Peru, such as the production and use of coca leaf in Peru, illicit trafficking of drugs and precursors in the country, the drug abuse situation, control over the trade and distribution of pharmaceuticals and precursors to prevent their diversion into illicit channels and other measures to counter illicit activities related to drugs.

More information regarding the findings of the mission will be included in the INCB Annual Report for 2007, to be published in early 2008.

 

Mission to Lithuania

An INCB mission visited Lithuania from 20 to 22 November 2006 to examine the drug control situation in the country. The mission was conducted by Dr. G. Gerra, member of the Board, accompanied by Ms. Gisela Wieser-Herbeck, Drug Control Officer of the INCB Secretariat. The last INCB mission to Lithuania took place in 1996.

The mission met with the Parliamentary Commission for Prevention of Drug Addiction and the Drug Control Department of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania; with senior officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Health, Justice and Education and Science and of other regulatory and law enforcement authorities involved in drug control; and with representatives of non-governmental organizations active in the field of drug demand prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The main issues discussed by the mission included the extent of drug abuse and drug trafficking, current drug control legislation and administrative regulations governing the system of national control, prevention and treatment of drug abuse and availability of opioids for the treatment of pain. The mission also discussed technical questions of cooperation between the Board and drug control authorities in Lithuania.

The findings of the mission will be reflected in the Annual Report of the Board for 2007, to be published in early 2008.

 

Mission to Myanmar

An INCB mission visited the Union of Myanmar from 16 to 20 October 2006 to examine the drug control situation in the country and the measures taken since the Board's previous mission in 2001. The mission was conducted by Mr. M.M. Bhatnagar and Major B. Watters, members of the Board, accompanied by Mr. Adrian Moicean, Drug Control Officer of the INCB Secretariat.

The mission met with senior officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, Health, Education, Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs as well as with the Deputy Attorney General and the Deputy Director General of the Customs Department. The mission also visited the UNODC Country Office in Yangon. Among the issues discussed with the Government officials were: the current situation regarding production, trafficking and the extent of abuse of illicit drugs; the control of narcotics, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals; the availability of narcotic drugs for treatment of pain; and current drug control legislation as well as the administrative regulations governing the system of national control. The mission also discussed technical questions of cooperation between the Board and drug control authorities in Myanmar, as well as requirements for national cooperation and training.

The findings of the mission will be reflected in the forthcoming INCB Annual Report, to be published in early 2007.

 

World Health Organization (WHO) 56th Regional Committee for Africa

28 August 2006 - The Secretary of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Mr. Koli Kouame, represented the Board at the World Health Organization (WHO) 56th Regional Committee for Africa, which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 28 August to 1 September 2006. Mr. Kouame delivered the statement of the President of the Board to the Committee on medicine's regulatory authorities in Africa. INCB and WHO Regional Office for Africa are set to cooperate in order to strengthen drug control in Africa.

The meeting was attended by Ministers of Health of 46 African countries and was opened by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Mr. Meles Zenawi, in the presence of the President of the African Union Commission, Prof. Alpha Konare and the UN Special Envoy to Stop TB, Mr. Jorge Sampaio. The representatives of UNICEF, UNAIDS, the World Bank and the African Development Bank also attended the meeting. Mr. Kouame held bilateral discussions with the Ministers of Health of Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and South Africa, as well as the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Sambo.

 

Mission to El Salvador

An INCB mission visited El Salvador from 23 to 25 August 2006. The mission was conducted by Dr. Elisaldo Carlini member of the Board, accompanied by Mr. Cristian Gimenez Corte, Drug Control Officer of the INCB Secretariat.

The objectives of the Mission were to analyse the degree of implementation of the international drug control conventions and to discuss with the Government the national drug control policy. The Mission also reviewed trends in abuse as well as in illicit trafficking, and the measures taken to prevent and combat illicit trafficking and abuse. The mission met the senior officials of the government entities involved in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The findings of the mission will be reflected in the forthcoming annual report of the Board, to be published in early 2007.

 

Mission to Malawi

16 August 2006 - INCB mission visited the Republic of Malawi from 14 to 16 August 2006. The mission was conducted by Dr. Joseph Bediako Asare, member of the Board, accompanied by Mr. Imrich Betko, Drug Control Officer of the INCB Secretariat. The last mission to Malawi took place in 1996.

The mission met with senior officials of the Malawi Government, including the Minister of Health, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security and other officials of ministries and government entities involved in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The mission also visited the Pharmacy Medicines and Poisons Board, Zomba Mental Hospital, Zomba Central Hospital and the non-governmental organization Yoneco involved in providing counseling for persons with drug abuse problems. The mission also had meetings with the Resident Coordinator of UNDP and WHO in Malawi.

Reporting to and cooperation with the INCB, changes in drug control legislation and administrative regulations governing the system of national control, the extent of drug abuse and drug trafficking, the availability of narcotic drugs for treatment of pain, were among the issues discussed by the mission with the Government.

The findings of the mission will be reflected in the forthcoming INCB Annual Report, to be published in early 2007.

 

2006 Substantive Session of the Economic and Social Council

27 July 2006 - Dr. Philip O. Emafo, President of INCB accompanied by Mr. Koli Kouame, Secretary of the Board, attended the Substantive Session of the ECOSOC in Geneva, Switzerland. In a statement to the ECOSOC on 27 July 2006, the President of the Board introduced the INCB Report for 2005. Following a general discussion, ECOSOC formally adopted the INCB Report for 2005 .

 

Mission to Belarus

30 May 2006 - INCB mission visited the Republic of Belarus from 30 May to 1 June 2006, to examine the drug control situation in the country and the measures taken since the Board's previous mission in May 1994. The mission was conducted by Dr. Robert J.J. Ch. Lousberg, First Vice-President of the Board, accompanied by Mr. Darmen Zhumadil, Drug Control Officer of the INCB Secretariat.

The mission met with senior officials of the Government of Belarus, including the First Deputy Ministers of the Ministries of Interior, Justice, Health, and Education; the Secretary of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Crime, Corruption and Drugs; and other senior officials of the regulatory and law enforcement agencies involved in drug control. The mission also visited the National Center for Forensic Analysis of the Ministry of Interior and had meetings with the Resident Representatives of UNDP, WHO, UNICEF and UNAIDS in Belarus.

The mission discussed various issues including the changes in legislation, structure and distribution of drug control functions among competent authorities involved, the availability of narcotic drugs for treatment of pain, the trends in trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, measures and national policies/strategies to address these issues, treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependent persons and prevention programs, precursor control, measures against money laundering, regional and international cooperation, and reporting and cooperation with the INCB.

The findings of the mission will be reflected in the forthcoming INCB Annual Report, to be published in early 2007.

 

Mission to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)

A mission of INCB visited the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) from 28 to 30 June 2006. The mission was conducted by Prof. Hamid Ghodse, former President of INCB, accompanied by Mr. Koli Kouame, Secretary of the Board, and Ms. Li-Qin Zhu, Chief of the Convention Evaluation Section of the INCB Secretariat.

The mission met with high-level Government officials from various ministries responsible for drug control in DPRK, including the Vice-President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly; the Minister for Public Health; the Vice-Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Public Health, Public Security and Education; the Secretary-General of the National Coordinating Committee for Narcotics Control (NCC); and the Director of Legislation Department of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly. The mission also met representatives of UNDP, WHO and UNICEF.

The mission reviewed the drug control situation in DPRK, the Government's responsibilities towards and compliance with the provisions of the international drug control treaties, as well as progress made by the Government of DPRK in the implementation of the Board's recommendations following its 2002 mission to DPRK.

The findings of the mission, which will be reviewed by the Board at its forthcoming session in November 2006, will be reflected in the forthcoming INCB Annual Report, to be published in early 2007.

 

Mission to Latvia

29 May 2006 - INCB visited Latvia from 29-30 May 2006. The mission was conducted by Prof. Sevil Atasoy, Second Vice-President of the Board and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Estimates, accompanied by Ms. Gisela Wieser-Herbeck, Drug Control Officer of the INCB Secretariat. The last mission to Latvia took place in 1996.

The mission met with the Prime Minister of Latvia, the Minister for Interior, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Education and Science and the Minister of Regional Development and Local Government as well as with senior officials in ministries or other government entities involved in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The mission also visited the State Addiction Agency of Latvia.

The main issues discussed included new developments and trends in drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Latvia and in the region, legislative and administrative measures as well as policies by the Government to address the situation. The Government's activities and achievements in drug control, particularly the implementation of the State Programme on Drug Abuse, and Latvia's role in regional and international drug control efforts were also discussed.

The findings of the mission will be reflected in the forthcoming INCB Annual Report, to be published in early 2007.

 

Mission to Estonia

25 May 2006 - INCB visited Estonia from 25 to 26 May 2006, to examine the drug control situation in the country. The mission was conducted by Prof. Sevil Atasoy, second Vice President of the Board and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Estimates, accompanied by Ms. Gisela Wieser-Herbeck, Drug Control Officer of the INCB Secretariat. The last mission to Estonia took place in 1996.

The mission met with senior officials of the Ministries of the Interior, Social Affairs, Justice, Finance, Foreign Affairs, as well as the State Agency of Medicines. The mission also visited the WHO Country Office in Estonia.

The availability of narcotic drugs for treatment of pain, the extent of drug abuse and drug trafficking, current drug control legislation as well as the administrative regulations governing the system of national control are among the issues discussed by the mission with the Government. The mission also discussed technical questions of cooperation between Estonian authorities and the Board as well as requirements for national cooperation and training.

The findings of the mission will be reflected in the forthcoming INCB Annual Report, to be published in early 2007.

 

Mission to The Gambia

An INCB mission visited The Gambia from 24 to 26 May 2006. The mission was conducted by Dr. Joseph Bediako Asare, member of the Board, accompanied by Ms. Eva Fernandez Santis, Drug Control Officer of the INCB Secretariat.

The objective of the mission was to discuss with the authorities legislative and administrative measures as well as policies aimed at strengthening control for narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and the chemicals used in their illicit manufacture. The mission also reviewed action taken by the Government to address illicit trafficking of drugs, particularly cocaine, through the West African region, and efforts to prevent drug abuse and treat drug abusers.

The mission met the Minister for the Interior and the Minister for Justice, as well as other senior officials in ministries or other government entities involved in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The mission also paid visits to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital and the Banjul Port Authority.

The findings of the mission will be reflected in the forthcoming annual report of the Board, to be published in early 2007.

 

World Health Assembly

22 May 2006 - The President of the Board, Dr. Philip O. Emafo, accompanied by Ms. Midori Kanda of the INCB secretariat, attended the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland from 22 to 27 May 2006. On Thursday, 25 May 2006, the President made a statement under item 11.3 "HIV/AIDS - WHO's contribution to universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care". In addition, the President of the Board took the opportunity of the World Health Assembly to meet with some delegations to the Assembly/

 

Mission to Argentina

22 May 2006 - INCB visited Argentina from 22 to 24 May 2006, to examine the changes of the drug control situation in the country since the last INCB mission, in 1998. The mission was conducted by Mr. M.M. Bhatnagar and Dr. C. Uribe Granja, members of INCB, accompanied by Ms. Margarethe Ehrenfeldner, Drug Control Officer of the INCB Secretariat.

The mission met with senior officials of the Argentinean Government, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Interior, the Vice Minister of Justice and Human Rights, and other officials from agencies involved in drug control, for instance the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SEDRONAR), the regulatory authority for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (ANMAT), law enforcement authorities as well as the Customs Directorate.

Issues discussed by the mission and the Government touched upon all issues related to the implementation of the provisions of the international drug control treaties by Argentina, such as the illicit trafficking of drugs and precursors in the country, the drug abuse situation, control over the trade and distribution of pharmaceuticals and precursors to prevent their diversion into illicit channels and other measures to counter illicit activities related to drugs.

More information regarding the findings of the mission will be included in the forthcoming INCB Annual Report, to be published in early 2007.

 

The President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Addresses the Board

19 May 2006 - At the invitation of the INCB President, Dr. Philip O. Emafo, the President of ECOSOC addressed the Board during the 86th Session of the Board, which was held from 8-19 May 2006.

The President of ECOSOC informed the Board that ECOSOC, as the guardian of INCB elected seven new INCB Board members on 10 May 2006. He praised the work of the Board, referring to the outstanding analysis of alternative development and legitimate livelihoods presented in the 2005 Annual Report of the Board. He said the issue of alternative development was relevant to the theme for the 2006 High-level segment of ECOSOC's substantive session "Creating an environment at the national and international levels conducive to generating full and productive employment and decent work for all, and its impact on sustainable development". He promised to encourage his successor to sustain the excellent cooperation between ECOSOC and the Board. He invited the President of the Board to attend the above segment of ECOSOC's meeting in July 2006 in Geneva.

Dr. Emafo thanked the President of ECOSOC for exchanging views with the Board on various drug control issues and stated that he looked forward to similar exchanges in the future.

President of the General Assembly addresses the INCB

8 May 2006 - At the invitation of the INCB President, Professor H. Ghodse, the President of the General Assembly, H. E. Mr. Jan Eliasson, addressed the Board during the 86th Session of the Board, which opened on Monday, 8 May 2006.

In his address by video link, Mr. Eliasson commended the INCB for its contributions to international drug control. He remarked that the world narcotic drug problem is a main global challenge requiring a global response, and that this was also recognized by the world leaders at the World Summit 2005. He underlined the need for the international community to mobilize all efforts to eliminate both the illicit supply of and demand for illicit drugs.

Professor Ghodse thanked Mr. Eliasson for the exchange with the INCB, and described it as a historic moment in the relations between the Board and the General Assembly. He expressed appreciation for the excellent support the Board has enjoyed during Mr. Eliasson's term as President of the General Assembly.

 

INCB Briefing at ECOSOC

19 April 2006 - The President of INCB, Professor H. Ghodse, provided a briefing to the members of Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and other Permanent Missions at a meeting in the ECOSOC Chamber chaired by the Chairman of ECOSOC. The President provided information on the Board, its role and rules of procedure, its recently released Annual Report, as well as current major drug problems of concern to the Board.

 

Mission to Djibouti

INCB visited Djibouti from 21 to 23 January 2006. The mission was conducted by Dr Joseph Bediako Asare, member of INCB, accompanied by Ms Hanifa Rebbani, Drug Control Officer of the Secretariat. It was the first ever Board's mission to Djibouti.

The mission met with the Minister of Interior, Minister of Youth, Sports, Leisure and Tourism as well as the Attorney-General of Djibouti. The mission also met with senior officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, and Justice. At the technical level, the mission held meetings and discussions with the Pharmaceutical inspection, the Police and Customs authorities. The mission also met representatives of WHO and UNDP.

The issues discussed included the national drug control strategy, the legislation and structure of drug control functions and coordination among competent authorities involved. The mission also discussed the availability of narcotic drugs for treatment of pain, the trends in drug trafficking and abuse, measures and national policies to address these issues, treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, regional and international cooperation, reporting and cooperation with INCB.

The findings of the mission will be reflected in the forthcoming INCB Annual Report, to be published in early 2007.

 

Mission to Yemen

A mission of INCB visited Yemen from 16 to 18 January 2006. This first ever Board mission to Yemen was conducted by Dr Joseph Bediako Asare, member of INCB, accompanied by Ms. Hanifa Rebbani, Drug Control Officer of the INCB Secretariat.

The mission met with senior officials of the Yemeni Government, including the Attorney General, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Interior, the General Directorate for Drug Control, the Supreme Board of Drugs and Medical Appliances, as well as the Customs authorities. The mission also met representatives of WHO and UNDP.

The mission discussed various issues including the national drug control strategy, legislative and administrative measures as well as policies aimed at strengthening control for narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and the chemicals used in their illicit manufacture. The mission also reviewed action taken by the Government to address drug trafficking efforts and to prevent drug abuse and treat drug abusers as well as regional and international cooperation.

The mission also visited Sana'a hospital and the Oncology centre for cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment.

The findings of the mission will be reflected in the forthcoming INCB Annual Report, to be published in early 2007.

 

Visit of INCB President to China

Professor Hamid Ghodse, President of INCB, visited the People's Republic of China from 9 to 10 January 2006, to exchange views on issues related to international drug control, as well as measures taken by the Government in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The President was accompanied by Mr. Koli Kouame, Secretary of INCB, and Mrs. Li-Qin Zhu, Chief of the Convention Evaluation Section of the INCB Secretariat.

During the visit, the President met with senior officials of the Chinese Government, including the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Vice Commissioner of the National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) and the Vice-Minister of Public Security, the Vice Commissioner of the State and Food Administration (SFDA), and the Director General of Health Administration of the Ministry of Health. The President also visited the National Institute on Drug Dependence, Beijing University.

 The main issues discussed between the President and the Government of China included new developments and trends in drug abuse and illicit trafficking in China and in the region, legislative and administrative measures as well as policies by the Government to address the situation. The Government's activities and achievements in various areas of drug control, and China's role in drug control at the regional and international level were also discussed.

 

 

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