Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 26, 2026 Peace and security
International cooperation under the three drug control conventions has significantly reduced the harm caused by drug trafficking and protected public health worldwide, according to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)'s 2025 report, published Thursday.
INCB President Sevil Atasoy emphasized that the system works thanks to the continued support of states: “The conventions – a solid basis for joint action – have curbed drug trafficking and abuse and ensured access to essential medicines for 60 years.”
Global Accounting and Notification System
In its report, the committee notes that thanks to a global tracking and reporting system, the diversion of legally produced substances into illicit channels is kept to a minimum. In 2025, the INCB-created PEN Online platform prevented an attempt to smuggle three tons of fentanyl precursor, which could have led to the production of up to 3.3 tons of the dangerous narcotic.
The organization emphasizes that modern data exchange tools enable states to more quickly respond to trafficking attempts and prevent fraud in the international trade of controlled substances. Cooperation with the private sector—the chemical industry, logistics companies, and online platforms—is also increasingly important.
Access to pain medications
The report places special emphasis on access to painkillers. Despite adequate global stockpiles, many low- and middle-income countries continue to face shortages of morphine-containing medications and difficulties in procuring them. INCB calls on countries to remove barriers that prevent patients from receiving the treatment they need.
Regional trends
The report identifies key regional trends: rising drug use in Africa, declining drug-related deaths in North America, an expanding cocaine market in South America, record levels of illicit methamphetamine production in East Asia, and increased trafficking through Oceania.
In recent years, according to the report, the illicit cocaine trade in Western and Central Europe has increased sharply, as evidenced by the widespread availability of this substance and the overall volume of seizures. Synthetic drug production is expanding in Europe, and the proliferation of new psychoactive substances remains a serious problem.
Canada, Mexico, and the United States have further intensified their efforts to combat drug production and trafficking in recent years. Overdose rates have declined in both Canada (by 17 percent) and the United States (by 27 percent), but the authors of the document believe it is too early to assess whether this decline will become a sustainable trend. The non-medical use of opioids remains a public health concern for experts.
“Protecting people’s health from the dangers posed by drugs is our shared responsibility,” Sevil Atasoy said, calling on countries to further strengthen international cooperation.
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