UN anti-narcotics body warns rapid expansion’ of synthetic drugs reshape illicit markets

By Anjali Sharma

UNITED NATIONS – According to the UN International Narcotics Control Board agency on Tuesday warned that synthetic drugs are rapidly transforming the global drug trade, fuelling an escalating public health crisis.

The 2024 Annual Report, released on Tuesday, the INCB explained that unlike plant-based drugs, these substances can be made anywhere, without the need for large-scale cultivation, making them easier and cheaper for traffickers to produce and distribute.

The rise of powerful opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes potent enough to cause overdoses in tiny doses – has worsened the crisis, driving record-high deaths, INCB stated in a press release.

INCB President Jallal Toufiq said “The rapid expansion of the illicit synthetic drug industry represents a major global public health threat with potentially disastrous consequences for humankind,”.

“We need to work together to take stronger action against this deadly problem which is causing hundreds of deaths and untold harm to communities,” he said.

Criminal groups are constantly adapting to evade law enforcement, the agency noted.

The report said that by exploiting legal loopholes, they develop new synthetic compounds and use artificial intelligence to find alternative chemicals for drug production.

New smuggling methods including drones and postal deliveries make these drugs harder to detect, the report stated.

The seizures of synthetic substances are now outpacing those of traditional plant-based drugs like heroin and cocaine.

Despite efforts to curb synthetic drugs, responses remain fragmented, allowing traffickers to stay ahead.

The INCB has called for stronger global cooperation, including partnerships between governments, private companies and international organizations, to disrupt supply chains and prevent harm.

The synthetic drugs flood illegal markets, millions of people in low- and middle-income countries still lack access to essential pain relief medication.

The report highlighted that opioids painkillers such as morphine, remain unavailable in regions like Africa, South Asia and Central America not due to supply shortages, but because of barriers in distribution and regulation.

The INCB urged opioid-producing nations to increase production and affordability to improve palliative care and pain management.

The report identified several regions where synthetic drug trafficking is expanding.

In Europe, the heroin deficit after Afghanistan’s 2022 opium ban could push more users toward synthetic alternatives while in North America, despite efforts to curb the crisis, synthetic opioid-related deaths remain at record highs, INCB said.

The report indicated that the manufacture, trafficking and use of amphetamine-type stimulants are increasing across the Middle East and Africa, where treatment and rehabilitation services are often inadequate.

The agency noted that in Asia-Pacific region, methamphetamine and ketamine trafficking continues to grow, particularly in the Golden Triangle.

The INCB urged governments to strengthen international collaboration, improve data-sharing and expand drug prevention and treatment services.

It concluded that without decisive action, the synthetic drug trade will continue to evolve, putting more lives at risk