Statement by Prof. Sevil Atasoy,
President of the International Narcotics Control Board
for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
26 June 2025
On this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) reaffirms its commitment to supporting governments in their efforts to prevent drug abuse, ensure access to evidence-based treatment, and prevent and address drug trafficking.
Drug-related challenges continue to affect individuals, families, and communities worldwide. For example, the rapid expansion of the illicit synthetic drug industry represents a major global public health threat and is reshaping illicit drug markets, necessitating urgent and coordinated responses.
The international drug control conventions provide a framework for addressing these challenges while ensuring access to controlled medicines for medical and scientific purposes.
To address the increasing misuse of drugs, including synthetic drugs, and their harmful consequences, Governments must prioritize the provision of evidence-based prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration services that respect human rights, as required by the drug control conventions.
INCB's precursor control and GRIDS programmes are mitigating the major public health threat posed by the drug trafficking by assessing and recommending the international control of precursors used in illicit drug manufacture, monitoring licit shipments of internationally controlled precursor chemicals through the INCB Pre-Export Notification (PEN) Online system, tracking licit shipments of internationally non-controlled precursor chemicals through the PEN Online Light system, and preventing, through use of the INCB Precursors Incident Communication System (PICS) the diversion of precursor chemicals to illicit drug manufacture. Under the INCB GRIDS Programme, over 100,000 incidents involving new psychoactive substances have been processed through the IONICS system and operational responses are being coordinated through GRIDS regional technical officers based around the world.
On this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, INCB calls upon all Member States, with the support of international and regional organizations and civil society, to redouble their efforts in implementing the drug control conventions and addressing drug-related issues with compassionate responses founded upon science. Only together, can we ensure a future where health and welfare are safeguarded.