Sevil Atasoy, President of the INCB, noted that such results have been made possible by the ongoing support from states.
For 60 years, the conventions have served as a reliable foundation for joint efforts against drug trafficking and have ensured access to essential medical substances.
Effectiveness of the Reporting and Notification System
The report emphasizes that thanks to the global reporting and notification system, legally produced substances rarely enter the illegal market. For example, in 2025, the PEN Online platform, created by the INCB, prevented an attempt to export three tons of fentanyl precursor, which could have led to the production of 3.3 tons of the dangerous drug.The INCB also highlights that modern data exchange tools help states respond more swiftly to illegal activities and prevent fraud in the international trade of controlled substances. Cooperation with the private sector, including the chemical industry and logistics companies, is becoming increasingly relevant.
Access Issues to Painkillers
The report also focuses on access issues related to painkillers. Despite sufficient global supplies, low- and middle-income countries continue to experience shortages of morphine-containing medications and difficulties in obtaining them.Regional Trends
The document records significant regional trends: drug consumption is increasing in Africa, deaths from synthetic drugs are decreasing in North America, the cocaine market is expanding in South America, and there is record production of methamphetamine in East Asia along with increased trafficking through Oceania.In recent years, according to the analysis, illegal cocaine trade has significantly increased in Western and Central Europe, as evidenced by its availability and the rise in seizure volumes.
Canada, Mexico, and the United States have intensified their efforts to combat drug trafficking. As a result, overdose cases have decreased by 17% in Canada and by 27% in the United States; however, the authors of the report warn that it is too early to speak of a stable trend.
“Ensuring the protection of public health from the threat of drugs is our common task,” said Sevil Atasoy, urging countries to further strengthen international cooperation.
Illustration on the main page: culture.ru.
