Stories from UNODC South Asia

South Asia: Emergence of 'new psychoactive substances' raises alarm bells

4 March 2014 - Designer drugs, herbal highs, legal highs, bath salts - the rapid emergence of 'new highs' is a cause for grave concern, also in South Asia.  These so-called 'new psychotropic substances' (NPS) are chemically and physically similar to well-known illicit drugs, but are synthesized in such a manner that they do not fall under international control. When consumed, they are known to often have serious effects like kidney failure, seizures, hallucinations[Read More]

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South Asia: UNODC Container Control Programme targets illegal maritime trafficking

7 February 2014 - Nearly 90 percent of all trade globally is conducted via maritime containers. This amounts to approximately 500 million containers moving across the world annually. While the majority of these containers transport legal cargo, maritime trade is also highly vulnerable to trafficking of illegal goods. Freight containers are constantly targeted for the shipment of drugs, counterfeit goods and weapons which are smuggled alongside legal commodities.[Read More]

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India: Amphetamine-type stimulants now an emerging trend in the country

16 January 2014 - More and more young people are being drawn towards 'cooler' and 'more fashionable' drugs. Popularly known as ice, meth, speed, ecstasy and W, these drugs are psycho-stimulants that are also categorized as Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS). Available as pills and in powder form, they are usually swallowed, snorted or smoked and sometimes even injected.[Read More]

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