Sevil Atasoy, president of the INCB, noted that the effectiveness of the system is largely due to the support of states that have been fighting drug trafficking for six decades and ensuring access to essential medications.
The report emphasizes that thanks to the global accounting and notification system, the penetration of legally produced drugs into illegal channels remains at a minimal level. In 2025, the INCB's PEN Online platform helped prevent an attempt to export three tons of fentanyl precursor, which could have led to the production of up to 3.3 tons of this dangerous narcotic substance.
Modern data exchange methods help countries respond promptly to illegal trafficking and prevent fraud in the international trade of controlled substances. An important aspect is also cooperation with the private sector, including the chemical industry, logistics companies, and online platforms, as stated in the report.
The report also highlights the availability of pain relief medications. Despite sufficient global stocks, many low- and middle-income countries continue to face shortages of morphine and difficulties in obtaining it. The INCB calls on states to eliminate barriers that prevent patients from accessing necessary treatment.
The document notes important regional trends: an increase in drug consumption in Africa, a decrease in deaths from synthetic drugs in North America, the expansion of the cocaine market in South America, record levels of illegal methamphetamine production in East Asia, and increased trafficking through Oceania countries.
The INCB reports a sharp rise in illegal cocaine trade in Western and Central Europe in recent years, confirmed by the widespread availability of this drug and an increase in seizures. The production of synthetic drugs in Europe continues to grow, and the spread of new psychoactive substances remains a serious problem.
Canada, Mexico, and the United States have significantly intensified their efforts to combat drug production and trafficking. In Canada, the number of overdose cases has decreased; however, the authors of the report warn that it is too early to say whether this decrease will become a sustainable trend. The use of opioids for non-medical purposes continues to raise concerns among public health experts.
