INCB President Sevil Atasoy noted that the system functions thanks to the continuous support of countries, which allows for the minimization of the penetration of legal narcotic substances into illegal markets. In 2025, thanks to the PEN Online platform developed by the INCB, an attempt to export 3 tons of fentanyl precursor was prevented, which could have led to the production of up to 3.3 tons of this dangerous drug.
Modern data exchange technologies facilitate a more timely response from states to attempts at illegal drug trafficking and combat fraud in international trade in controlled substances. The importance of cooperation with the private sector, including the chemical industry and logistics, is also increasing, as emphasized in the report.
The report also highlights the issue of access to pain relief medications. Despite sufficient global supplies, many low- and middle-income countries continue to experience a shortage of morphine and face difficulties in procuring it. The INCB calls for the removal of barriers that prevent patients from receiving necessary treatment.
Regional trends noted in the report include an increase in drug consumption in Africa, a decrease in mortality from synthetic drugs in North America, the expansion of the cocaine market in South America, as well as record levels of illegal methamphetamine production in East Asia and an increase in trafficking in Oceania.
The INCB reports a significant increase in the volume of illegal cocaine trade in Western and Central Europe, which is confirmed by the widespread availability of this drug and an increase in seizures. The production of synthetic drugs in Europe is also rising, and the spread of new psychoactive substances remains a serious concern.
Canada, Mexico, and the United States have intensified their measures to combat drug production and distribution. In Canada, the number of overdose cases has decreased; however, the authors of the report believe it is too early to speak of a stable trend. The use of opioids for non-medical purposes continues to raise serious concerns among public health experts.
