Bangkok--2 Mar--UN
Although the phenomenon of the unregulated market is not a new one, it is of particular concern to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) that in recent years, an increasing volume and variety of internationally controlled substances are available in the unregulated market. In addition, traffickers are turning to innovative ways of trafficking and diverting such substances, including the transnational distribution of counterfeit drugs and the use of the Internet and the postal and courier services for illicit drug trafficking.
In an age where technological developments are being used for sinister purposes, persons engaged in drug law enforcement and drug regulation need to be better trained and equipped.
“We should deploy our expertise for the good of all by cooperating and collaborating better, while guarding our mandates. Intelligence sharing between States should be further strengthened for assisting in the interception of drugs in illicit traffic,” said Dr. Philip O. Emafo, President of the INCB.
Governments should also recognize the importance of drug demand reduction activities in alleviating the drug problem. Governments should introduce drug demand reduction programmes including treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration programmes that are effective, accessible, affordable and sustainable.
He added that eventual success in tackling the world drug problem depends not only on appropriate legislation that is effectively implemented, but also on well-designed demand reduction programmes that are conducted by well-motivated human resources, as they play a significant role in determining how successful the outcome of our efforts are. There is need for circumspection in designating men and women who lead our drug control authorities.
Akira Fujino, Representative, UNODC Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific, based in Bangkok, noted that in the region, there is a geographically expanding impact of organized crime and diversification of criminal activity. “We see shifting patterns of illicit drug trafficking and abuse. We see the spread of HIV and AIDS associated with illicit drug use. We further note weak national frameworks to counter crime and terrorism,” Fujino said. Underlying those issues, data collection and reporting systems require further fine tuning.
With these priority problems in mind, the UNODC Regional Centre addresses “justice and human security” by working on areas of thematic focuses on (1) prevention, (2) rule of law, (3) treatment and reintegration, and (4) analysis. These, Fujino added, will be translated into programmes and projects, in full association with countries, both donors and recipients, and working closely with civil society.