Statement by Prof. Jallal Toufiq, President,
International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)
Sixty-eighth session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
Item 5 (c) International Narcotics Control Board
11 March 2025, Vienna, Austria
Mr. Chair, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The thematic chapter of the Annual Report focuses on the rapid expansion of the illicit synthetic drug industry and the major threat posed to health globally. It explores emerging regional threats and scenarios, which in some regions, such as Africa, represent a particular challenge as treatment and rehabilitation resources are already very limited.
INCB's precursor control and GRIDS programmes are supporting Governments in addressing the proliferation of synthetic drugs.
INCB is calling for a comprehensive, coordinated strategy to address illicit manufacture, trafficking and consumption of synthetic drugs.
Chapter II reviews the functioning of the international drug control system, including availability of controlled substances, which I will cover under item 5 (d).
Chapter III contains our regional analysis and selected global issues. A first set covers availability issues such as the treatment of opioid use disorder, rational use of psychotropic substances, and access during humanitarian emergencies caused by armed conflict.
The next set of global issues aims to assist States in developing a better understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement authorities in countering the illicit synthetic drugs market.
A final global issue looks at falsified pharmaceuticals, in particular contamination with potent opioids or designer benzodiazepines. This was the focus of the INCB GRIDS-facilitated Operation African Star, resulting in 92 seizures of pharmaceutical products along with Operation Zodiac which led to over 460 seizures of falsified benzodiazepines.
Chapter IV presents INCB's recommendations, some of which I have covered. I will mention two recommendations not yet touched upon.
Firstly, INCB reiterates that measures legalizing the non-medical use of internationally controlled substances are contrary to the provisions of the international drug control conventions.
Secondly, INCB urges Governments to give due consideration to:
- the right to health, including availability of controlled medicines;
- the right to access to evidence-based prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration services; and
- the principle of proportionality in criminal justice responses to drug-related offences.
That was the Annual Report per se. As you know, INCB also issues a Precursors Report.
The global quantity of ephedrines seized in 2023 surpassed the quantities seized in the previous two years combined, with INCB's Operation "Pseudonym" being held in response to this surge.
We saw the first reports to INCB of seizures of fentanyl precursors in Europe.
We also saw for the first time seizures of precursors of synthetic cannabinoids, and a proliferation of methods of illicit methamphetamine manufacture.
INCB disseminated to authorities updated information on alternative chemicals, as well as a compendium of national control measures.
We initiated the development of a tool to monitor the online e-commerce platforms on the surface web for suspicious postings involving precursors and equipment used in illicit drug manufacture.
INCB encourages Governments to make better use of its information-sharing tools, PICS, PEN Online and PEN Online Light.
INCB is helping Governments to actively engage industries which may be exploited by drug traffickers. An INCB conference room paper outlines key concepts for enhancing industry cooperation and presents various approaches and tools to support policy efforts aimed at preventing the diversion of chemicals for illicit drug manufacture.
INCB looks forward to continued cooperation with Member States in implementation of the conventions and the recommendations contained in the 2024 reports.
Thank you.