The President of the Board, Sevil Atasoy, noted in an interview with the UN News Service that the successful functioning of the system largely depends on the continuous support from states.
For 60 years, the conventions have served as a reliable foundation for joint efforts to curb drug trafficking and drug abuse, while simultaneously ensuring access to essential medical substances.
International Monitoring and Response System
In its report, the INCB emphasizes that thanks to the global monitoring and notification system, legally produced narcotic substances largely do not enter illegal channels. For instance, with the help of the PEN Online platform, an attempt to export three tons of fentanyl precursor was prevented in 2025, which could have led to the creation of up to 3.3 tons of dangerous drugs.Modern data-sharing tools allow countries to respond quickly to attempts at illegal trafficking and prevent fraud in the international trade of controlled substances. Cooperation with the private sector—chemical companies, logistics firms, and online platforms—is becoming increasingly important.
The Issue of Access to Pain Relief Medications
The report also highlights the issue of access to pain relief medications. Despite the existence of sufficient stocks worldwide, low- and middle-income countries continue to experience shortages of morphine-containing medications and face difficulties in acquiring them.Regional Features
The report notes various regional trends: in Africa, there is an increase in drug consumption; in North America, a decrease in mortality from synthetic substances is recorded; in South America, the cocaine market is expanding; and in East Asia, record levels of illegal methamphetamine production have been reached. Additionally, drug trafficking through Oceania is intensifying.In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in illegal cocaine trade in Western and Central Europe, as evidenced by the increased availability of this substance and the volume of seizures.
Canada, Mexico, and the United States have significantly intensified their fight against drug production and distribution. Overdose cases have decreased in both Canada (by 17%) and the United States (by 27%), however, the authors of the report emphasize that it is still too early to say that this reduction will become a sustainable trend.
Sevil Atasoy reminded that "protecting people's health from drug-related threats is a shared responsibility" and urged countries to continue strengthening international cooperation.
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