Drugs

Publication d’une nouvelle étude sur la consommation de la pâte de cocaïne au Pérou

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:34:34 GMT

Une nouvelle publication de l'ONUDC analyse, pour la première fois, le problème et l'impact de la pasta basica de cocaína au Pérou - pâte de cocaïne, PBC, basuco, pitillo ou paco comme on l'appelle en Amérique du Sud - depuis son apparition il y a plus de quarante ans. L'abus de PBC cause une dépendance grave et est devenu un problème croissant au Pérou et dans de nombreux pays sud-américains.

New report looks at use of cocaine paste in Peru

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:39:27 GMT

A new UNODC report has analyzed for the first time the problem and impact in Peru of pasta basica de cocaína - cocaine paste, PBC, pasta, basuco, pitillo or paco as it is commonly known in parts of South America -since its appearance more than four decades ago. The abuse of PBC leads to serious dependence, and has become a growing problem in Peru and many South American countries.

Renforcement de la coopération pour lutter contre les drogues illicites en Asie du Sud-Est

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:27:12 GMT

Alarmés par l'augmentation rapide de la consommation et de la production de stupéfiants et considérant qu'elle représente une menace pour l'Asie du Sud-Est en entravant le développement de la région, les représentants des six pays formant la sous-région du Grand Mékong et l'ONUDC ont signé jeudi dernier un accord visant à renforcer la coopération transfrontalière dans les domaines de l'application de la loi, de la réduction de la demande et du développement alternatif.

ЮНОДК и правительство Бразилии запустили работу отделения Управления по взаимодействию и партнерству

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:24:24 GMT

Директор-исполнитель ЮНОДК Юрий Федотов запустил работу отделения Управления по взаимодействию и партнерству в Бразилии вместе с Секретарем национальной политики по наркотикам в министерстве Юстиций Виторе Максимиано.

Greater Mekong countries pledge to strengthen cooperation to fight illicit drugs threat in Southeast Asia

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:24:00 GMT

Calling the rapid increase in consumption and production of narcotic drugs a threat to Southeast Asia that undermines regional development, representatives of the six Greater Mekong Sub-region countries and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) signed today an agreement commiting them to strenghten cross-border cooperation in law enforcement, demand reduction and alternative development.

L’ONUDC et le gouvernement brésilien inaugurent un bureau de liaison et de partenariat au Brésil

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:36:41 GMT

Le Directeur exécutif de l'ONUDC, Yury Fedotov, a inauguré le nouveau bureau de liaison et de partenariat au Brésil avec le secrétaire de la politique nationale antidrogue du ministère de la Justice, Vitore Maximiano.

UNODC and Brazilian government launch Liaison and Partnership Office in Brazil

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:01:31 GMT

UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov has launched the new UNODC Liaison and Partnership Office in Brazil together with the Secretary of National Drug Policy of the Ministry of Justice, Vitore Maximiano.

ЮНОДК награждено Испанской Золотой Медалью за приверженность борьбе с наркотической зависимостью

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:54:16 GMT

Исполнительный директор ЮНОДК Юрий Федотов от имени организации принял Золотую медаль «За заслуги перед Национальным планом по наркотикам». Престижная награда была передана ЮНОДК министром здравоохранения, социальных служб и равенства Аной Мато Aдровер, в присутствии сотрудников правительства и представителей средств массовой информации в штаб-квартире министерства в Мадриде.

L’ONUDC récompensé de la médaille d’or espagnole du Mérite pour son engagement dans la lutte contre la toxicomanie

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:12:22 GMT

Le 2 avril, le directeur exécutif de l'ONUDC, Yury Fedotov, a reçu au nom de l'ONUDC la Médaille d'or de l'ordre du Mérite du Plan national de lutte contre les drogues. Ce prix prestigieux a été décerné à l'ONUDC par la ministre de la Santé, des Services sociaux et de l'Égalité, Ana Mato Adrover, devant des membres du gouvernement et des représentants des médias au siège du gouvernement à Madrid.

UNODC awarded Spanish Gold Medal of Merit for its commitment to countering drug dependence

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:17:10 GMT

UNODC Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, today accepted on behalf of UNODC, the Gold Medal of the Order of Merit of the National Drug Plan. The prestigious award was given to UNODC by the Minister of Health, Social Services and Equality, Ana Mato Adrover, in front of Government staff and representatives of the media at the Ministry's headquarters in Madrid.

youth initiative CND 2013

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:28:57 GMT

youth initiative DAPC 2012

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:28:54 GMT

youth initiative launch

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:28:50 GMT

youth initiative/main

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:28:46 GMT

youth initiative

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:45:30 GMT

Publications on drug prevention and treatment

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:36:34 GMT

International Standards on Drug Use Prevention - Side event at the 56th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:28:53 GMT

Le dernier rapport de l’ONUDC apporte un éclairage sur le phénomène mondial des nouvelles substances psychoactives

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:14:06 GMT

Suite à une requête formulée lors de la dernière session de la Commission des Stupéfiants, l'ONUDC a élaboré un rapport technique sur les défis posés par les nouvelles substances psychoactives (NPS). Ces substances, parfois appelées « euphorisants légaux », se multiplient et sont de plus en plus diffusées dans le monde, suscitant une grande inquiétude alors qu'on peine encore à les contrôler.

Drug Use in Pakistan 2013 Summary Report reveals high levels of drug use and dependency

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:37:44 GMT

The technical summary of the Drug Use in Pakistan 2013 Report launched during the Commission on Narcotic Drugs reveals how a substantial proportion of Pakistan's population aged 15 to 64 suffer from the devastating consequences of substance abuse. The Report estimates that 5.8 per cent - or 6.4 million adults in Pakistan - used drugs in the last 12 months.

New UNODC report sheds light on the phenomenon of new psychoactive substances worldwide

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:38:11 GMT

In response to a request from last year's session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, UNODC has prepared a technical report on the challenges presented by new psychoactive substances (NPS). These substances, sometimes referred to as 'legal highs', are multiplying in numbers and becoming more widespread geographically, causing great concern as officials struggle to contain them.

La première enquête sur la consommation nationale de drogues aux Maldives met en évidence un besoin urgent de prévention et de traitement

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:58:52 GMT

Le mois dernier, les résultats de la première enquête sur la consommation nationale de drogues aux Maldives ont été publiés à Malé, la capitale. L'enquête, qui a été menée en collaboration étroite avec l'ONUDC, dessine une vue d'ensemble de la situation de la consommation de drogues dans ce pays.

The first national drug use survey in the Maldives highlights urgent need for more drug use prevention and treatment

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:22:47 GMT

Earlier this month, the results of the first-ever National Drug Use Survey for the Maldives was released in the capital Malé. The survey was undertaken in close collaboration with UNODC and it provides an overview of the drug use situation in the country.

Кристаллический метамфетамин – «главная наркотическая проблема» Индонезии

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Производство, контрабанда и употребление кристаллического метамфетамина является одной из самых серьезных проблем Индонезии, согласно докладу«Оценка ситуации по стимуляторам амфетаминового ряда в Индонезии» ( Indonesia Situation Assessment on Amphetamine-Type Stimulants ), совместно опубликованному Национальным бюро по наркотикам Индонезии и программой СМАРТ

La méthamphétamine sous forme de cristaux est désormais la « première menace de drogues illicites » en Indonésie

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:01:34 GMT

La fabrication, le trafic et la consommation de méthamphétamine sous forme cristalline est actuellement la plus grande menace de drogues illicites à laquelle doit faire face l'Indonésie, selon un rapport commun publié aujourd'hui par la Commission Nationale des Stupéfiants d'Indonésie (National Narcotics Board of Indonesia) et le Programme mondial de surveillance des drogues synthétiques : analyse, situation et tendances de l'ONUDC (SMART).

Crystalline methamphetamine now Indonesia’s “primary illicit drugs threat”

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 09:26:30 GMT

The manufacture, trafficking and use of crystalline methamphetamine is now the greatest illicit drug threat facing Indonesia, according to a jointly-published report released today by the National Narcotics Board of Indonesia (BNN) and the UNODC Global Synthetics Monitoring: Analyses, Reporting and Trends (SMART) Programme.

Inde: vivre avec le VIH contre toute attente

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:24:50 GMT

Emy* est née et a grandi dans l'État de Meghalaya au nord-est de l'Inde. Elle a quitté l'école à un jeune âge et a été initiée aux drogues lors d'un mariage où des amis lui ont donné du sirop contre la toux. Elle est ensuite passée aux analgésiques, et au fil du temps, sa consommation récréative de drogues s'est transformée en une véritable addiction. Elle a essayé plusieurs sortes de drogues dont l'héroïne, qu'elle consommait par injection. « Quand je prenais de la drogue, je me sentais bien, je me sentais sûre de moi » déclare Emy, « j'étais mieux acceptée par mes amis ».

Santé et bien être au cœur de la politique anti-drogue

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:04:21 GMT

Réduire l'exposition de la population aux effets nocifs sur la santé de la consommation de drogues est la principale raison pour laquelle les États Membres ont décidé de mettre en place le système international des Nations Unies pour le contrôle des drogues.

India: Living with HIV against all odds

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:35:29 GMT

Emy* was born and brought up in the state of Meghalaya in north-east India. She dropped out of school at an early age and was introduced to drug use at a wedding. Over time, she went from being a recreational drug user to being drug dependent. She experimented with different drugs and also started to inject heroin. "While on drugs I felt good; I felt confident," Emy says. "I was now better accepted by my friends."

Placing health and welfare at the heart of drug policy

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:52:49 GMT

The key reason why countries decided to set up the UN drug control system was to reduce the public's exposure to the harmful health effects of drug use. Having witnessed the devastating effects of previous drug use epidemics, such as the Chinese opium epidemic of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, policymakers from across the world were convinced that a comprehensive international system was needed to protect their populations.

Sustainable tourism boosts local economies in Colombia

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:43:09 GMT

For many years, the region of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in the north of Colombia was known as an illicit crop cultivation hub. Since the mid-1990s, UNODC has been supporting the Government to help the region's farmers switch from illegal crops to licit activities with increasing success. The Gulf Guardian Families Project is an example of this, where local families have received support to help boost local tourism.

Bolivia to re-accede to UN drug convention, while making exception on coca leaf chewing

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:04:52 GMT

Bolivia to re-accede to UN drug convention, while making exception on coca leaf chewing

Bolivia has taken steps to once again become a party to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, as amended, with a reservation on the chewing of coca leaf, a traditional practice among its people. The country's re-accession was conditional on the acceptance of States that have ratified or acceded to the Single Convention of the reservation in accordance with Article 50, paragraph 3.

Methamphetamine use on the rise in East and South-East Asia

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 09:21:38 GMT

Methamphetamine remains the top illicit drug threat in East and South-East Asia, according to a new UNODC report, the 2012 Patterns and Trends of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants and Other Drugs, Asia and the Pacific. Seizures of methamphetamine pills have increased more than five-fold since 2007, says UNODC, noting that amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are now either the top or second illicit drug of use in 13 of the 15 Asia Pacific countries surveyed in the report.

Lao PDR “extremely vulnerable” to trafficking by transnational organized crime groups, says UNODC Executive Director

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 07:08:40 GMT

Lao PDR's position at the hub of the Greater Mekong Subregion and its shared borders with Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam make it "extremely vulnerable" to the trafficking of people, illicit drugs and commodities by transnational organized crime groups, warned UNODC's Executive Director: "While economic growth and regional integration bring many positives, they also provide opportunities for transnational organized crime to expand".

Act Against Corruption - 60 seconds

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:05:06 GMT

UNODC Chief visits Myanmar, offers UNODC support on poppy, stresses need for all countries to adopt UN Anti-Corruption Convention

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 18:32:02 GMT

Speaking after his meeting with Vice-President Dr. Sai Mauk Kham in the national capital Nay Pyi Taw, UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov welcomed the Myanmar Government's request for UNODC support to help fight the trafficking of drugs throughout Southeast Asia: "Opium and amphetamine-type-stimulants are problems in Myanmar, and they are also considerable challenges to neighbouring countries. I welcome the Government's request to UNODC to do all we can to support Myanmar and other regional partners".

UNODC Executive Director offers support to Thailand to fight “region’s worsening organized crime and illicit drug trafficking problem”

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:41:35 GMT

Recognizing Thailand's pursuit of rule of law-based efforts to counter illicit drug and human trafficking, UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov pledged the organization's support to the country's struggle against these human security threats. Mr. Fedotov, who touched down in Thailand yesterday at the start of an official 12-day mission to the region, made his comments today when he met the Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul.

Незаконный оборот "дизайнерских наркотиков", "легальной дури" и "солей для ванн"

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:46:04 GMT

Психоактивные вещества, как бы они ни назывались - "дизайнерские наркотики", "легальная дурь" или "соли для ванн", - становятся предметом серьезного беспокойства во всех регионах мира, особенно с учетом того, что потребление таких веществ имеет значительные последствия для общественного здравоохранения и даже может быть причиной смерти.

Opium-crop cultivation rises in Afghanistan, prices remain high

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 08:30:45 GMT

Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan covered 154,000 hectares (ha) in 2012, 18 per cent higher than the 131,000 recorded the previous year, according to the 2012 Afghanistan Opium Survey released by the Ministry of Counter Narcotics (MCN) and UNODC. However, since plant diseases and bad weather had damaged crops, potential opium production fell 36 per cent over the same period from 5,800 to 3,700 tons.

Opium-crop cultivation rises in Afghanistan, prices remain high

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 09:53:58 GMT

Tracking designer drugs, legal highs and bath salts

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:54:11 GMT

"Designer drugs", "legal highs" or "bath salts" - whatever they are labelled as, psychoactive substances have become a major concern in all regions of the world, particularly given their considerable public health consequences and potentially even fatal effects. While new drugs have always appeared on illicit drug markets, the pace at which such substances have emerged has accelerated considerably in recent years.

Support to policy makers on drug prevention

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 13:19:18 GMT

World Drug Report 2012

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:58:11 GMT

100 years of narcotics control

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:10:17 GMT

Delegates attending the 55th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs taking place in Vienna this week yesterday commemorated the centenary of the Hague Opium Convention signed in 1912. Also known as the International Opium Convention, it formally established narcotics control as a fundamental element of international law.

Commission on Narcotic Drugs opens with call for stronger networks to confront illicit drugs

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:13:47 GMT

Stronger regional networks are vital in confronting the threat of illicit drugs, said Yury Fedotov, UNODC Executive Director, at the opening of the fifty-fifth session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, which is meeting in Vienna from 12 to 16 March. "We face a transnational threat of extraordinary proportions that amounts to $320 billion or some 0.5 per cent of global GDP", he stressed.

La Commission des stupéfiants s’ouvre à Vienne et appelle à une coopération renforcée dans la lutte contre la drogue

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:47:00 GMT

Renforcer les réseaux régionaux est primordial pour faire face à la menace des drogues illicites, a déclaré Yury Fedotov, Directeur exécutif de l'Office des Nations Unies contre la drogue et le crime (ONUDC), lors de l'ouverture de la 55ème session de la Commission des stupéfiants, réunie à Vienne du 12 au 16 mars. « Nous sommes confrontés à une menace transnationale aux proportions extraordinaires, représentant 320 milliards de dollars, soit environ 0,5 % du PIB mondial », a souligné M. Fedotov.

India introduces methadone treatment for drug abusers

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:16:04 GMT

UNODC, in collaboration with the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre of India, has opened the country's first methadone maintenance treatment centre at the Civil Hospital in Kapurthala, Punjab, to treat heroin and opioid addicts. The project is part of a pilot UNODC initiative that will see the opening of four more centres in Bathinda, Mumbai, Imphal and Delhi during the course of this year.

International Standards on Drug Use Prevention

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:09:54 GMT

Cricket star Shahid Afridi to hit hard against drugs in new role as UNODC Goodwill Ambassador

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:19:20 GMT

Pakistan cricket star Shahid Afridi has been appointed UNODC National Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of his outstanding sporting record. "He plays with heart," said Jeremy Douglas, UNODC Representative in Pakistan, of the appointment. "Shahid Afridi is a role model who can speak powerfully against drug abuse. Young people see in him the courage to push away boundaries and the will to go on when things get tough."

Opium cultivation and production in South-East Asia give cause for concern

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:19:35 GMT

We must remember victims of organized crime and drug trafficking, says UNODC chief

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:48:50 GMT

UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov has called on the international community to remember the thousands of victims who suffer from the impact of drug trafficking and transnational crime worldwide. "Whether in Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia or Benin, these people look to us - the international community - for security and for sustainable development. We cannot afford to fail them," he said.

Methamphetamine on the rise in East and South-East Asia

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:21:24 GMT

East Asia and South-East Asia are major centres for the illicit manufacture of amphetamine-type stimulants. There has been a significant expansion in the manufacture, trafficking and use of methamphetamines in the past five years. This, plus the increasing involvement of transnational organized criminal groups in the trade of amphetamine-type stimulants, poses a growing threat to security and public health in the region, warns a report by UNODC.

UNODC chief meets Afghan President ahead of Bonn II conference

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:15:19 GMT

UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov met with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan in Kabul ahead of the International Conference on Afghanistan taking place next week in Bonn. Given the enduring links between insecurity and opium poppy cultivation, Mr. Fedotov said he would welcome recognition at the Bonn conference of the importance of counter-narcotics. Separately, ministers from Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan also met in Kabul to discuss the enhancement of responses to regional security challenges.

Organized crime and drug trafficking major threats to international peace and security, UNODC head tells Security Council

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:59:13 GMT

UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov today called for coordinated and concerted efforts to address the threat of transnational organized crime. Addressing the Security Council in New York, Mr. Fedotov said that transnational organized crime and drug trafficking are undermining security in many regions and evolving into major threats to political and social stability, the rule of law, human rights and economic development..

Sustained efforts and cooperation in drug control essential to prevent suffering, says INCB

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:26:50 GMT

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) held its 102nd session in Vienna this week to review efforts at the international and national levels to implement the international drug control conventions. Speaking at the meeting, the President of the Board, Professor Hamid Ghodse, said: "Efforts in drug control must be sustained in order to prevent the suffering caused by drug abuse and inadequate access to internationally controlled medicines for medical purposes."

Estimating illicit financial flows resulting from drug trafficking and other transnational organized crimes

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:14:58 GMT

UNODC-supported State Service on Drug Control in Kyrgyzstan showing results

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Several recent operations conducted by Kyrgyzstan's State Service on Drug Control have resulted in the confiscation of drugs worth approximately $1.35 million which were being smuggled as "bullets", sealed packets of drugs swallowed to avoid detection. These latest results follow an April 2011 agreement between UNODC and the Kyrgyz Government which supports the re-established State Service on Drug Control in a bid to assist in building capacity and effectiveness with regard to countering drug trafficking.

Afghanistan Opium Survey 2011 - Summary findings

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:36:56 GMT

Afghanistan Opium Survey 2011 - Summary findings

ATS: second most commonly abused drug type worldwide

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:19:10 GMT

According to the latest report published by UNODC, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) such as "ecstasy" and methamphetamine now rank as the world's second most widely abused drug type after cannabis. The report - the 2011 Global ATS Assessment - notes that the expansion of the trade in such substances and the high profits generated by that trade pose an increasing threat to security and health worldwide.

North-east India: recognizing female injecting drug users

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:21:45 GMT

Twenty-two year old Chawngmawii from Mizoram state, in north-east India, left home when she was 16. Having suffered abuse while growing up, she started living on the streets and became addicted to injecting drugs. Chawngmawii turned to sex work to support her drug habit and was diagnosed with HIV in 2008. With the help of a local organization, Chawngmawii started visiting a centre that catered to injecting drug users.

The Global Afghan Opium Trade: A Threat Assessment

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

L’ "Arbre de l’espoir" attire l'attention sur le sort des toxicomanes.

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:37:00 GMT

Chaque année, plus de 200 000 personnes meurent de maladies liées à la drogue. A l'occasion de la Journée internationale contre l'abus et le trafic illicite des drogues le 26 Juin 2011, et dans un effort de sensibilisation et de mémoire pour toutes les victimes de la drogue, un « Arbre de l'espoir », a été inauguré en dehors du centre international de Vienne.

UNODC Executive Director meets President Ahmadinejad as he concludes trip to Iran

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:07:58 GMT

UNODC Executive Director visits drug treatment centre in Tehran

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:13:21 GMT

With 1.2 million drug-dependent users, the Islamic Republic of Iran has one of the most severe addiction problems in the world. Opiate addiction is equivalent to 2.26 per cent of the population aged 15-64 years. More than one fifth of them are injecting drug users. The Iranian Government has been recognised as one of the pioneering countries in the region to offer opium substitution therapies, as well as running free HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment centres for drug users.

UNODC chief highlights robust counter-narcotics responses on first visit to Iran

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:14:52 GMT

"Tree of Hope" draws attention to plight of drug abusers

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:19:04 GMT

Each year, more than 200,000 people die of drug-related illnesses. On the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June 2011, and in an effort to raise awareness and remember those affected by drugs, a "Tree of Hope" monument was unveiled outside the Vienna International Centre.

World Drug Day 2011: Global health starts with drug-free communities

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:06:51 GMT

Every year, an estimated 210 million people use illicit drugs; of that number, almost 200,000 die as a consequence. Yet, despite the challenges posed by drugs, the impact can be mitigated. This year's International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (26 June) highlights the role that communities can play in addressing the drug challenge.

UNODC to launch World Drug Report 2011

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 07:34:45 GMT

The state of the world drug market will be unveiled in the 2011 World Drug Report to be released by UNODC on Thursday, 23 June 2011. This annual report highlights developments across the global drug market to explain the factors that drive the world's consumption, production and trafficking of illicit drugs. The press are invited to a briefing when the latest findings on emerging and established drugs threats will be presented.

UNODC and Italy discuss crime and drug prevention

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:03:15 GMT

Executive Director Yury Fedotov met with several senior Italian officials to discuss drug- and crime-related matters, including migrant smuggling into Southern Europe in light of events in North Africa. Meeting the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Franco Frattini, the Minister of Justice, Angelino Alfano, and the Under-Secretary of State of the Ministry of the Interior, Alfredo Mantovano, the Executive Director noted that the discussions were of critical importance to regional safety and security.

From coca monitoring to sustainable farming

Mon, 16 May 2011 10:47:43 GMT

An important part of any country's drug crop eradication efforts is the promotion of alternative development - a process that encourages farmers to better utilize their land for legal farming purposes and offers them the skills needed to move away from illicit practices. In Bolivia, UNODC has been working closely with authorities to assist in this process and to better utilize land usage through promoting the growing of licit crops in place of coca bushes.

Capturing the faces of the drug trade in Afghanistan

Thu, 05 May 2011 12:30:38 GMT

Accounting for over 90 per cent of the world's supply, the trade in opium from Afghanistan has a grave impact on security and development in the country, the region and beyond. Documenting this, award-winning photographer Alessandro Scotti travelled to the Islamic Republics of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan for UNODC to capture the lives of real people involved in or touched by this trade.

Afghanistan and neighbouring countries by Alessandro Scotti

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:54:34 GMT

Traitement de la toxicomanie et prévention du VIH au Kenya

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:22:44 GMT

Drug dependence treatment and HIV prevention in Kenya

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:22:34 GMT

Globally, an estimated 16 million people abuse drugs by injection, and of that total, some 3 million live with HIV. The use of contaminated injecting equipment is a major cause of HIV transmission in many countries and accounts for up to 10 per cent of all HIV cases worldwide. UNODC, as the leading United Nations agency in countering illicit drugs and the transmission of HIV through intravenous drug abuse, works with countries to review and develop laws, policies and standards of care that enable them to establish effective services for people who inject drugs.

Crime and its deadly link with terrorism

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:39:00 GMT

Over 250 representatives from some 90 countries met in Vienna on 16 and 17 March at a symposium on terrorism to examine the growing links between crime and terrorism and to step up efforts against those interlinked threats. The symposium, organized by UNODC, comes at a time when terrorists are using increasingly diverse modi operandi and their operations are increasingly funded and sustained through the proceeds of crime.

Les drogues de synthèse connaissent une ascension fulgurante, selon l'INCB

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:56:15 GMT

Selon le rapport annuel 2010 de l'International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) qui a été lancé aujourd'hui à Vienne, les drogues de synthèse sont produites plus rapidement et leur production croît à grande vitesse.
En Europe, seize nouvelles drogues de synthèse sont suivis, au Japon, le nombre est plus élevé que cinquante et un.

Designer drugs are escalating out of control, according to INCB

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:17:20 GMT

Designer drugs are being produced faster and in growing numbers, according to the annual report of the Vienna-based International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for 2010, launched today in Vienna.

In Europe, 16 new designer drugs are being monitored, while in Japan the figure is 51.

L'UNODC aide le Pakistan au sujet du contrôle des drogues le long de la passe de Khyber

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:18:34 GMT

Le 15 février, le premier bureau de liaison inter-agence a été ouvert à la frontière entre le Pakistan et l'Afghanistan dans une démarche visant à freiner le flux de drogues illicites dans cette région. Soutenu par l'UNODC, le bureau de liaison de la frontière est située à l'un des passages les plus achalandés où transitent des personnes et des marchandises entre le Pakistan et l'Afghanistan - la célèbre passe de Khyber.

UNODC assists Pakistan in drug control work along Khyber pass

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:47:06 GMT

On 15 February, the first inter-agency border liaison office was opened at the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan in a move aimed at curbing the flow of illicit drugs in that region. Supported by UNODC, the border liaison office is situated at one of the busiest ports of entry for people and goods moving between Pakistan and Afghanistan - the historic Khyber Pass.

Les Nations Unies et ses partenaires internationaux combattent la traite et promeuve la sécurité en Afrique de l'Ouest

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:01:07 GMT

Les Maldives: renforcer les communautés pour parler de la consommation de drogues

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:24:25 GMT

La République des Maldives, un pays insulaire dans l'océan Indien bien connue pour son industrie du tourisme, connaît une croissance dans sa consommation de drogue, en particulier chez les jeunes. Comme l'injection de drogue devient plus en plus banal, il y a un plus grand risque de transmission du VIH, de l'hépatite C et d'autres maladies transmissibles par le sang parmi la population.

Un ancien lieu de trafic de drogue devient le nouveau bureau régional de l'UNODC

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:01:53 GMT

In what is a case of poetic justice, Peruvian authorities recently provided the UNODC Regional Office for Peru and Ecuador in Lima with a new office after seizing the building from one of the country's most notorious drug traffickers.

The symbolism of the event was not lost on anyone: the fight against drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime is being stepped up and illicitly obtained assets are being seized as evidence against drug traffickers.

High opium prices threaten drug control efforts of recent years

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:58:56 GMT

Rising opium prices may encourage farmers in Afghanistan to plant more opium poppy, warns UNODC in its Afghanistan Opium Survey 2010, released yesterday. The high prices are based on speculation that there will be shortages because an opium blight halved production in 2010 and because of ongoing military operations, which are creating uncertainty among opium poppy farmers regarding future cultivation.

High opium prices threaten drug control efforts of recent years

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:46:21 GMT

Seized Peruvian drug den becomes new UNODC regional office

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:46:40 GMT

Maldives: empowering communities to address drug use

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 10:34:22 GMT

The Republic of Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean well known for its tourism industry, is witnessing a growth in the use of drugs, particularly among young people. As injecting drug use becomes more common, there is a greater risk of HIV transmission, Hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases among the population. UNODC has partnered with local organizations to strengthen and support community-based approaches for drug use prevention, treatment and care.

Myanmar ATS situation worsening

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 09:33:47 GMT

According to the latest Myanmar Situation Assessment on Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS), the manufacture, trafficking and consumption of synthetic drugs in the country and region is worsening.

Published by UNODC, the report indicates that the impact of methamphetamine and other ATS trafficked from Myanmar affects not only the country's immediate neighbours but also parts of East and South-East Asia.

UN and international partners to combat trafficking and promote security in West Africa

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:35:26 GMT

Press statement of UNODC Executive Director after his visit to Central and West Asia

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:42:26 GMT

Tajikistan is the first line of defence in stemming Afghan drugs: UNODC Executive Director

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:49:09 GMT

Tajikistan is the first line of defence in stemming Afghan drugs, says UNODC Executive Director

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:24:41 GMT

As part of his visit to West and Central Asia, Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of UNODC yesterday met with Tajikistan officials to discuss increased cooperation to tackle drug trafficking. "The flow of drugs from Afghanistan poses a serious threat to security and development throughout Central Asia, and Tajikistan is the first line of defence", said Mr. Fedotov. "We appreciate the difficulties Tajikistan faces in carrying out this dangerous and daunting task", he added.

Tajikistan is the first line of defence in stemming Afghan drugs, says UNODC Executive Director

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:43:07 GMT

Tajikistan is the first line of defence in stemming Afghan drugs: UNODC Executive Director

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:31:47 GMT

Putting people first: UNODC Executive Director visits drug treatment centre and women's prison in Afghanistan

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:38:29 GMT

On his first visit to Afghanistan since assuming duties as UNODC Executive Director in September, Mr. Yury Fedotov visited Jangalak Treatment Centre, in Kabul, Afghanistan, last week. The centre offers treatment and follow up care for recovering drug users. "Drug use is a health problem, not a crime", said Mr. Fedotov. "Drug users are affected by a disease - addiction - and instead of punishment, what they need is treatment, care and social integration", he added.

UNODC: Executive Director underlines continuing support to Afghan government

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:02:22 GMT

UNODC: Executive Director underlines continuing support to Afghan government

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 09:51:13 GMT

L'Afghanistan, l'Iran et le Pakistan renforcent leur initiative anti-trafic de drogue

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:25:29 GMT

Les ministres en charge du contrôle des drogues afghan, iranien et pakistanais ont adopté des mesures pour renforcer leur coopération pour lutter contre le trafic de drogue, lors de la réunion annuelle de l'initiative triangulaire coordonnée par l'UNODC à Islamabad (Pakistan) aujourd'hui.

Ecstasy and Methamphetamine first choice of drugs in East and South Asia

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 10:57:58 GMT

According to the latest report from UNODC, amphetamine-type stimulants - or ATS drugs - in particular methamphetamine, are now ranked in the top three most popular drugs of choice in East and South-East Asia displacing the use of traditionally used drugs such as heroin, opium or even cannabis.

Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan strengthen anti-drug trafficking initiative

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 17:48:27 GMT

The Afghan, Iranian and Pakistani Ministers for drug control have adopted measures to strengthen their cooperation in addressing drug trafficking at the annual meeting of the UNODC-facilitated Triangular Initiative in Islamabad, Pakistan, earlier today. UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov praised the Governments' cooperation, which has been demonstrated by simultaneous operations conducted in 2009 and 2010. Six operations have taken place, leading to significant drug seizures.

Ecstasy and Methamphetamine first choice of drugs in East and South Asia

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 17:44:05 GMT

New initiative to improve airport intelligence sharing on drug trafficking in West Africa

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:00:43 GMT

According to UNODC estimates, between 30 and 100 tons of cocaine transited through West Africa in 2009. The frequency of big drug seizures, such as the recent 2.2 tons of cocaine seized in Gambia, emphasize the seriousness of the problem of drug trafficking in the region. Cocaine mainly transits through West Africa by air and sea, originating from Latin America and heading to Europe.

New initiative to improve airport intelligence sharing on drug trafficking in West Africa

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:10:48 GMT

UNODC expands services to promote global security and development

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:11:15 GMT

The international community confronts a host of menaces, including illicit drugs, threats to security and health and new and emerging crimes. As Governments and other development partners increasingly look to UNODC for specialized assistance and expertise, the Office has expanded it scope and volume of work, to provide comprehensive and coherent responses to these challenges.

UNODC expands services to promote global security and development

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:37:56 GMT

UNODC to intensify support for new Kyrgyz drug control authority

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:59:24 GMT

UNODC to intensify support for new Kyrgyz drug control authority

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:57:44 GMT

Turning the tide of drugs and crime in Africa

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 10:25:40 GMT

There can be no lasting social and economic development without security, and African States are taking action to make sure that crime, in particular transnational organized crime, never grows deep roots in the continent.

At a meeting of the African Union Conference of Ministers for Drug Control and Crime Prevention, held in Addis Ababa on 1 and 2 October, representatives of 34 African Union member States and international entities ...

ED Video Message - Afghan Opium Survey 2010

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 09:49:43 GMT

Message of UNODC's Executive Director Yury Fedotov at press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan, on the occasion of the launch of the Afghan Poppy Survey 2010

ED Video Message - Afghan Opium Survey 2010

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 09:45:45 GMT

Message of UNODC's Executive Director Yury Fedotov at press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan, on the occasion of the launch of the Afghan Poppy Survey 2010

Opium and Insecurity: How to Break the Link in Afghanistan

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:29:22 GMT

Baisse très marquée dans la production de pavot en Afghanistan, selon l’ONUDC

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:19:02 GMT

Afghan opium production halves in 2010, according to UNODC annual survey

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:53:16 GMT

Afghanistan's opium production halved in 2010 but soaring prices may encourage farmers to go back to opium cultivation, warned UNODC in its 2010 Afghan Opium Survey released today.

"This is good news but there is no room for false optimism; the market may again become lucrative for poppy-crop growers so we have to monitor the situation closely," said Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of UNODC.

Afghan Opium Survey 2010

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 07:47:03 GMT

Sharp drop in Afghan opium production, says UNODC

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 07:46:22 GMT

UNODC Executive Director voices support for Millennium Development Goals

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:14:10 GMT

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged world leaders to keep their promise to help the world's most vulnerable people. At the United Nations Summit in New York on progress towards the eight internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Mr. Ban called for efforts to be stepped up by the target date of 2015. For billions of people in poor countries, food, education and health are basic rights, which UNODC supports in many ways.

New UNODC Executive Director sets out immediate priorities

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:00:41 GMT

Yury Fedotov, the new Executive Director of UNODC, spelled out the initial priorities for his Office upon assuming duties today. Formerly Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Mr. Fedotov is also Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), the third United Nations office after New York and Geneva. "Clearly, in recent years there has been significant progress in expanding the UNODC range of action", said Mr. Fedotov.

Bolivia welcomes new UNODC representative

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:18:30 GMT

The UNODC Country Office in the Plurinational State of Bolivia has welcomed its new representative, César Guedes, at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and attended by the Bolivian President Evo Morales, State ministers, Government officials and members of the international community. President Morales welcomed the strengthened presence of UNODC to provide technical assistance against drug trafficking, organized crime and corruption.

Colombia: new anti-drugs campaign targets the public

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:04:47 GMT

Colombia has long been recognized a drug-producing country and major supplier of drugs to the international markets. Local consumption of drugs has mostly been overlooked, but new data shows that more and more people in Colombia are now consuming some kind of illicit drug. Authorities have become concerned about the increase in the consumption of heavy drugs such as heroin and cocaine.

UNODC boosts Cambodian border control capacity

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:38:31 GMT

The growing volume of trade between Cambodia and its neighbouring countries means that Cambodian border officers, often operating with poor facilities, insufficient specialized knowledge and limited budget, are requested to carry out timely and effective controls on increasing human and vehicle traffic.

UNODC promotes international cooperation in West and Central Asia

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:25:07 GMT

The opium industry's epicentre may be in Afghanistan but its spin offs - drug trafficking and other organized criminal activities - are spilling over into the larger region. The Islamic Republic of Iran, Afghanistan's western neighbour, is the primary transit country for smuggled heroin and opium, while to the south and east, the drug trade contributes to the destabilization of Pakistan. Similarly, Central Asian nations to the north are negatively affected.

Pakistan and UNODC join forces to respond to the threats of drugs and crime

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:29:14 GMT

UNODC and the Government of Pakistan today launched a landmark country programme for the period 2010-2014 targeting drug and crime issues. The programme was unveiled together with the drug control strategy of the Government of Pakistan at a ceremony attended by representatives of the Government and the international community.

UNODC refuerza la seguridad marítima en Centroamérica

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:38:21 GMT

UNODC refuerza la seguridad marítima en Centroamérica - Lanzamiento del Centro de Excelencia y Oficina Regional en Panamá - 22 de junio de 2010

Secretary-General appoints Yury Fedotov of Russian Federation Executive Director of UNODC

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:34:36 GMT

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has announced the appointment of Yury Fedotov (Russian Federation) as the new Executive Director of UNODC. He will succeed Antonio Maria Costa in that position and as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV). The Secretary-General is grateful to Mr. Costa for the services he has rendered to the Organization and for his commitment in leading UNODC since 2002.

Central American experts look for common ground to deal with challenges of drugs and organized crime

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:37:53 GMT

Almost 200 tons of cocaine are smuggled through Central America to North America every year, for a 2008 value of about $38 billion at destination. Central American States are increasingly threatened by the power of organized criminal groups, which have enough financial resources to gain control over entire territories and jeopardize national institutions. Isolated national responses are insufficient to cope with powerful groups operating across borders.

Lao PDR: more than 3 tons of drugs go up in smoke

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:11:15 GMT

Over 3 tons of illicit drugs seized by Lao law enforcement officers were burned last week near the Lao National Assembly in commemoration of the twenty-third anniversary of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Nearly 9 kg of heroin, 985,000 methamphetamine (Yabaa) pills, 2.8 tons of cannabis and 176 kg of opium were destroyed at the burning ceremony.

Think Health Not Drugs

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 12:25:00 GMT

World Drug Day message: think health, not drugs

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:08:53 GMT

On 26 June, the world will commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which serves as a reminder of the need to combat the problems illicit drugs pose to society. "We must recognize the major impediment to development posed by drug abuse and illicit trafficking," said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his message.

World Drug Report 2010: drug use is shifting towards new drugs and new markets

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:16:35 GMT

Today, at the National Press Club in Washington, UNODC launched the World Drug Report 2010. Taking part in the launch were UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa, Viktor Ivanov, Director of the Federal Drugs Control Service of the Russian Federation, and Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Divergent coca crop cultivation trends in the Andean countries

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:02:08 GMT

UNODC coca crop surveys for Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Colombia and Peru issued today show a drop of 5 per cent in the amount of coca bush being grown in the Andean countries - the world's main source of cocaine's raw material - from 167,000 ha in 2008 to 158,000 ha in 2009.

Around 1 million Afghans suffer from drug addiction, UNODC reports

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:27:35 GMT

Afghanistan, the world's leading producer of opium and heroin, is also facing a major and growing problem with drug abuse, the UNODC survey Drug Use in Afghanistan reveals. The survey shows that around 1 million Afghans between the ages of 15 to 64 are addicted to drugs. At 8 per cent of the population, this rate is twice the global average.

UNODC to launch World Drug Report 2010

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:14:22 GMT

UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa will launch the World Drug Report 2010, the organization's flagship publication, on 23 June in Washington, D.C. Mr. Costa will be joined by the Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske, and the Director of the Federal Drugs Control Service of the Russian Federation, Viktor Ivanov.

Drugs PSA 2009 - Make Health your Fashion 30" (English)

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:22:04 GMT

On World Drug Day 2009 UNODC launched a PSA calling young people to protect their health from drugs.

Drugs PSA 2009 - Make Health your Fashion 60" (Portuguese)

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:32:35 GMT

Drugs PSA 2009 - Make Health your Fashion 30" (Portuguese)

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:30:51 GMT

Drugs PSA 2009 - Make Health your Fashion 60" (French)

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:30:04 GMT

Drugs PSA 2009 - Make Health your Fashion 30" (French)

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:28:54 GMT

Entrevista con Guillermo Hernández Salmerón

Thu, 20 May 2010 15:33:00 GMT

Entrevista con Guillermo Hernández Salmerón, Director General Adjunto, Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, Mexico

Entrevista con Guillermo Hernández Salmerón

Thu, 20 May 2010 15:28:00 GMT

Entrevista con Guillermo Hernández Salmerón, Director General Adjunto, Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, Mexico

UNODC enters partnership to address organized crime in Guatemala

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:09:38 GMT

UNODC has signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) to strengthen its work to improve justice and security in that country. UNODC spoke with Commissioner Carlos Castresana of CICIG on the situation in Guatemala and the threats posed by organized crime and impunity. The Commissioner highlighted the important role that UNODC is called on to play in addressing those threats.

Health is the theme of the 2010 world drug campaign

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:48:12 GMT

Health is the theme of this year's world drug campaign, to be launched on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (26 June). The UNODC global campaign "Think health - not drugs" aims to inform the public, particularly young people, about the harmful effects that drugs under international control can have on their health.

UNODC and Bolivia launch six-year programme to combat drugs and crime

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:03:05 GMT

UNODC and the Plurinational State of Bolivia have launched a comprehensive six-year programme to combat drug trafficking, organized crime and corruption. The programme comprises six components: integrated development; prevention and treatment; the fight against organized crime; governance and combating corruption; crime prevention and criminal justice; and investigation, analysis and information.

UNODC 2010 Annual Report released

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:18:11 GMT

UNODC today issued its 2010 Annual Report. "This Report shows how health, security and justice are the antidotes to drugs, crime and terrorism" said UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, during an official visit to Austria, said: "The UNODC 2010 Report showcases the extraordinary task accomplished by this small office. This is further proof of how Vienna has become a hub for human security issues, and how the United Nations can deliver assistance in the field to save people from the misery of drugs and crime."

Mephedrone: a legal and potentially lethal high

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:35:42 GMT

The use of mephedrone, a synthetic drug often touted as a legal alternative to amphetamine or cocaine, has become widespread, with increasing reports from Europe, North America and Australia. Mephedrone, also known as drone, miaow miaow or M-cat, is not under international control, and the true extent and patterns of its use are unclear and probably underestimated.

CSI Vienna: stepping up forensic services support

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:40:03 GMT

Television police dramas have glamourized the work of crime scene detectives. A DNA sample, fingerprint, or bullet discovered provides the key piece of evidence to determine the guilt or innocence of a suspect. But in real life, according to Justice Tettey, Chief of UNODC's Laboratory and Scientific Section, "too often, evidence is either collected or stored improperly. As a result, it can not be used in court, and a case falls apart."

Afghanistan leads in hashish production

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 07:04:31 GMT

Afghanistan, the world's biggest producer of opium, is also a major producer of cannabis. These are the findings of the Afghanistan Cannabis Survey, the first ever UNODC survey report on cannabis in Afghanistan. The Survey estimates that between 10,000 and 24,000 ha of cannabis plant are grown in Afghanistan every year.

Massive seizure of drug-making chemicals in Pakistan

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:05:00 GMT

Authorities at Port Qasim, Pakistan, have seized 15.8 tons of acetic anhydride, the precursor chemical used to produce heroin from opium. This is the largest-ever seizure of acetic anhydride in Pakistan. The chemicals were found in barrels (labeled as paint destined for Karachi) in a 20 foot container.

Global SMART Update 2010 Vol.3

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:14:32 GMT

Strengthening West Africa against drugs and crime

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:01:07 GMT

11 March 2010 - Over the past five years, West Africa has emerged as a hub for cocaine trafficking between Latin America and Europe. The issue has gained the attention of the international community, including the Security Council and the Economic Community of West African States. UNODC has been instrumental in ringing the alarm bell, providing evidence about the scale of the threat and technical assistance to alleviate it.

HIV/AIDS epidemic in Eastern Europe to be under spotlight at Vienna AIDS Conference

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:42:55 GMT

10 March 2010 - The rapidly growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in Eastern Europe, fuelled primarily by unsafe injecting drug use, will be a topic under the spotlight at the VIII International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2010), to be held in Vienna. The United Nations, through UNAIDS and UNODC, is supporting the AIDS 2010 conference, to be held from 18 to 23 July 2010.

Public service announcement on the effects of drugs

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:54:10 GMT

2 March 2010 - UNODC has partnered with CNN to air a public service announcement on the effects of drugs on youth. The 30-second PSA, which will be aired several times a day over the coming year, follows four young people as their health deteriorates due to continuous drug use and calls on youth, who are particularly vulnerable to drug use, to protect themselves.

Organized crime deepens humanitarian crises, warns UNODC

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:03:17 GMT

24 February 2010 - UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa has called for concerted efforts to "break the vicious circle between insecurity and underdevelopment". Addressing the Security Council today during a debate on global threats against international peace and security, Mr. Costa said, "Instability attracts crime, and crime deepens instability. In a chain reaction, humanitarian crises follow, development is stalled, and peacekeepers are deployed".

Narcotics body's annual report highlights alarming trends in drug abuse

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:22:16 GMT

24 February 2010 - In its annual report for 2009, released today in Vienna, the International Narcotics Control Board highlights the growing problem of prescription drug abuse, alarming new trends in the manufacture of drugs and prevention of drug abuse. INCB is also raising the alarm about new psychoactive substances that are easier to obtain, in part because they are under less stringent international control.

Afghanistan Opium Winter Rapid Assessment 2010

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:11:13 GMT

After a major drop in opium cultivation (one third) over the past two years, UNODC projects a stable crop in Afghanistan in 2010.

The majority of the 20 Afghan provinces that were poppy-free in 2009 will remain so this year. Yet, three provinces (Baghlan, Faryab and Sari Pul, all in the north) risk showing the beginning of a trend reversal, with a minimal increase in cultivation in the districts with higher insecurity. Five other provinces (Kunar, Nangarhar, Kabul, Laghman and Badakhshan), not poppy-free so far, are also expected to have negligible amounts of poppies.

All considered, with appropriate local community-inspired measures - such as shura-driven campaigns, governor-led eradication, and development assistance - up to 25 Afghan provinces could become poppy-free in 2010. Further progress in the reduction of drug cultivation (hectares) in Afghanistan is within reach.

Drugs seized in Panama en route to New Jersey and Barcelona

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:21:14 GMT

8 February 2010 - The UNODC Container Control Programme continues to show positive results as two drug seizures were reported in Panama, one of the latest ports to join the programme. A container destined for New Jersey was found, on 3 February, with 24 kg of cocaine and 2 kg of heroin (with a US street value of US$ 2.9 million and US$ 0.26 million respectively) stashed in a sports bag.

Maldives joins UNODC to strengthen drug response

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:36:17 GMT

1 February 2010 - The Government of the Maldives recently signed with UNODC its first ever country-specific technical cooperation project to combat drug abuse in the country. The project, funded by the European Union, will strengthen the Maldives' national response to drug-related issues.

Mirar el camino recorrido y seguir adelante: la influencia de la UNODC en 10 esferas

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:39:29 GMT

29 December 2009 - As 2009 draws to a close, UNODC revisits its work to promote global justice, integrity, health and security. Here are 10 ways that UNODC makes a difference.

Corruption in Afghanistan: Bribery as reported by the victims

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:06:55 GMT

Drugs PSA 2009 - Make Health your Fashion

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:12:00 GMT

On World Drug Day 2009 UNODC launched a PSA calling young people to protect their health from drugs.

Lao families rise out of poverty and opium addiction

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:37:59 GMT

6 January 2010 - Chanthone Soutvatdi is 45 years old and married with three children. She is also the head of the village savings and credit group of Nasala village, in the Houaphan province of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Chanthone weaves and sells Lao skirts, and makes a handsome profit of 2.3 million kip over a period of one and a half months.

El Ecuador y Panamá: El Programa mundial de fiscalización de contenedores conduce a incautaciones

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:08:26 GMT

22 December 2009 - The Container Control Programme, a joint initiative of UNODC and the World Customs Organization, continues to show success as participating port authorities seize more drug consignments and counterfeit goods along container routes.

Looking back and forging ahead: 10 ways UNODC makes a difference

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:33:22 GMT

29 December 2009 - As 2009 draws to a close, UNODC revisits its work to promote global justice, integrity, health and security. Here are 10 ways that UNODC makes a difference.

Ecuador and Panama: Container Control Programme leads to seizures

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:24:12 GMT

Afghan Opium Survey: export value of Afghan opium is falling

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:54:56 GMT

17 December 2009 - The potential gross export value of Afghanistan's opiates is down 18 per cent, from US$ 3.4 billion in 2008 to US$ 2.8 billion in 2009 - an equivalent of around a quarter of the country's gross domestic product. This is the main finding of the Afghanistan Opium Survey 2009 issued today by UNODC.

South-East Asia: worrying trend in opium cultivation

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:46:19 GMT

14 December 2009 - In its latest survey of Opium Poppy Cultivation in South-East Asia, launched today in Bangkok, UNODC points to an increase in opium cultivation in Myanmar for the third year in a row, as well as a 19 per cent increase in cultivation in the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Intelligence-sharing centre opened in Kazakhstan

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:46:51 GMT

10 December 2009 - The Central Asia Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) was inaugurated yesterday in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Centre is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement cooperation among countries on the front line of drug trafficking from Afghanistan.

Security Council debates "devastating impact" of drug trafficking

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:13:39 GMT

9 December 2009 - States have been called upon to strengthen international cooperation "on the basis of a common and shared responsibility to counter the world drug problem and related criminal activities."

Security Council to focus on drug trafficking

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:22:00 GMT

7 December 2009 - On 8 December, the Security Council - under the Presidency of Burkina Faso - will debate "Drug trafficking as a threat to international security".

Follow the debate live on webcast at 10 a.m. New York time on Tuesday, 8 December.

Nicolas Cage new UNODC Ambassador for Justice

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:21:06 GMT

4 December 2009 - Acclaimed actor and filmmaker Nicolas Cage has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Global Justice for UNODC.The appointment was made by UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa at the fourteenth annual benefit dinner of the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA), in New York. On that occasion, Mr. Cage was also awarded the UNCA Global Citizen of the Year Award for Humanitarian Achievements.

Donors help West Africa

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:42:28 GMT

4 December 2009 - At a round table held in Vienna on 3 December, donors raised more than 15 million euro to help the Economic Community of West African States reduce the region's vulnerability to drugs and crime. The meeting, hosted by Austria and UNODC, is part of the Praia Process launched at a ministerial meeting in Cape Verde one year ago in response to a dangerous increase in cocaine trafficking through West Africa.

Interview with Jean-Luc Lemahieu

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:03:26 GMT

UNODC's Representative Jean-Luc Lemahieu speaks about the situation and UNODC's programme in Afghanistan.

Interview with Jean-Luc Lemahieu

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:41 GMT

UNODC's Representative Jean-Luc Lemahieu speaks about the situation and UNODC's programme in Afghanistan.

New report on synthetic drugs trend in Asia

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:02:17 GMT

26 November 2009 - East and South-East Asia face an increasing challenge in synthetic drugs, particularly amphetamine-type stimulants, due to their availability and adaptability to rapidly shifting markets.

While countries in the region have increased their efforts to tackle the problem, a new UNODC report highlights the continued need for joint efforts.

UNODC hosts regional meeting on justice and security

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:50:40 GMT

23 November 2009 - UNODC Eastern Africa has organized a regional ministerial meeting on 23-24 November with experts and ministers from all 13 countries in the region to discuss and endorse a new programme for the period 2009-2012.

Video Presentation Afghan Threats Report

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:28:20 GMT

A new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Addiction, Crime and Insurgency: The transnational threat of Afghan opium

Multilingual Dictionary of Precursors and Chemicals Frequently Used in the Illicit Manufacture of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances under International Control

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:45:26 GMT

Multilingual Dictionary of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Under International Control Volume 2

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:30:09 GMT

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances under international control appear in a variety of names, particularly in commerce and in technical literature. This complicates the task of national and international drug control authorities. The Multilingual Dictionary of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances under International Control has been developed primarily to help those authorities, and every effort was made to make it as complete as possible.

The first multilingual list of substances under international control covered only narcotic drugs and was published in 19581. The first edition of the Multilingual Dictionary in its present form, covering both narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, was published in 19832 and was followed by a second edition in 19933. The present edition continues those updates, incorporating the data contained in the previous editions, together with the most recent information available on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances under international control. A new and separate publication, the Multilingual Dictionary of Precursors and Essential Chemicals under International Control covering the substances listed in the 1988 Convention4, completes this set of international drug dictionaries.

This third and revised edition of the Multilingual Dictionary of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances under International Control uses the same principles and criteria applied to the 1993 edition, and the same format is retained: PART ONE provides individual monographs on the substances under international control, and PART TWO an alphabetical cross-index of the names included in the monographs.

In addition, the present edition is now complemented with new Parts Three and Four: PART THREE contains bilingual lists of all scheduled substances in French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Russian, each translated from and to English. PART FOUR consists of information on the international regime of control, providing details on the scheduling history and the control status of the narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances concerned.

Finally, the EXPLANATORY NOTES in the present edition, have been revised and improved with the intention of making the Dictionary easier to use.

Multilingual Dictionary of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Under International Control Volume 1

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:28:42 GMT

Finally, the EXPLANATORY NOTES in the present edition, have been revised and improved with the intention of making the Dictionary easier to use.

Keeping tabs on synthetic drugs

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:41:43 GMT

5 November 2009 - Globally, there are significantly more users of synthetic drugs than there are users of heroin and cocaine combined. Unlike the markets for heroin and cocaine, the market for synthetic drugs is constantly evolving, with new products appearing each year.

"West Africa is now on the verge of becoming a source of drugs, not only a transit area. Organized crime is growing indigenous roots."

Triangular cooperation fights drugs and builds confidence

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:01:45 GMT

28 October 2009 - Senior officials from Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan met in Vienna on 27 October 2009 for a ministerial meeting of the UNODC-brokered Triangular Initiative. This Initiative, launched in June 2007, is designed to strengthen drug control among the three countries most seriously affected by Afghan opium.

Addiction, crime and insurgency

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:06:01 GMT

UNODC reveals devastating impact of Afghan opium

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:04:12 GMT

21 October 2009 - In a new report, Addiction, Crime and Insurgency: The Transnational Threat of Afghan Opium, UNODC shows the devastating consequences that the 900 tons of opium and 375 tons of heroin that are trafficked from Afghanistan every year have on the health and security of countries along the Balkan and Eurasian drug routes, of countries in Europe, of China, India and the Russian Federation.

Video Presentation Afghan Threats Report

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:29:06 GMT

A new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

Addiction, Crime and Insurgency: The transnational threat of Afghan opium

New report on devastating impact of Afghan opium

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:32:40 GMT

19 October 2009 - On Wednesday, 21 October, UNODC will unveil a new publication entitled Addiction, Crime and Insurgency: The Transnational Threat of Afghan Opium.

The publication shows the devastating consequences that opium and heroin have on the health and security of countries along the drug routes. Watch a live interview on CNN with UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa on Wednesday, 21 October, at 3 p.m. EST (9 p.m. Vienna time).

Virtuous trilogy vs. sinister nexus

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:54:00 GMT

In my view, it is both. Change for the better has happened. Yet, more is necessary and possible. No doubt, over the past ten years we have learned and demonstrated that drugs can be contained by improving health, there can be justice where there has been crime, and security can prevail over terror. But these improvements do not come by themselves: we need to nurture, foster and promote them with unmitigated commitment. And then we have to build operational alliances among Member States, and with all other stakeholders.

How many lives would have been lost if we didn't have controls on drugs?

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:29:52 GMT

There is a growing chorus, not least in the pages of the Observer, calling for an end to drug control. The arguments are by now well known: too many people are going to jail and not to treatment. Eradicating the supply of illicit drugs is meaningless without reducing demand. Drug control has spawned a massive criminal black market. Some even say that the costs of prohibition far outweigh the benefits (although there is no body count of people who haven't died thanks to drug control versus those who have been killed in the crossfire).

Ecuador monitoreo de cultivos de coca - sept 2009

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:34:15 GMT

Initiative to curb trade in chemicals for illicit drugs

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:42:20 GMT

4 September 2009 - The trafficking in chemicals required for the manufacture of cocaine, heroin and stimulants such as amphetamine, methamphetamine and Ecstasy (commonly referred to as precursors) is of particular concern to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

UNODC and the European Commission partner to strengthen national authorities to prevent the diversion of precursor chemicals from the licit market into Latin America and the Caribbean.

CNN Covers 2009 UNODC Afghan Report

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:11:16 GMT

Afghan Opium Survey

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 06:25:20 GMT

Afghan Opium Market Plummets, says UNODC

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:59:51 GMT

Afghan Opium Market Plummets, says UNODC

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:59:40 GMT

2009 Afghan Opium Survey Summary Findings B-roll

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:03:33 GMT

B-roll 2009 Afghan Opium Survey Summary Findings. Download broadcast quality b-roll.

Afghan Opium Market Plummets, says UNODC

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:21:42 GMT

2009 Afghan Opium Survey Summary Findings B-roll

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:35:00 GMT

B-roll 2009 Afghan Opium Survey Summary Findings. Download broadcast quality b-roll.

Interview with counsellor at Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:13:44 GMT

20 August 2009 - The UNODC Regional Office for South Asia recently interviewed Tshewang Tenzin, peer counsellor at the Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency. A recovering drug user, Mr. Tenzin talks about drug use trends, the kind of treatment available to drug users and ways of further improving service delivery at health centres in Bhutan. Mr. Tenzin strives to act as an example for the youth of Bhutan by advocating a life free from drugs.

International Youth Day: It's your health, it's your future

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:41:10 GMT

12 August 2009 - As the world marks International Youth Day today, UNODC calls on young people to take charge of their health and future.

Using drugs at an early age has been linked to negative health and social outcomes in later years. As a teenager has told UNODC: "Drugs are bad when you want to achieve your goals."

Día Internacional de la Juventud: Es tu salud, es tu futuro

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:30:08 GMT

International Youth Day: It's your health, it's your future

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:29:21 GMT

12 August 2009 - As the world marks International Youth Day today, UNODC calls on young people to take charge of their health and future.

Using drugs at an early age has been linked to negative health and social outcomes in later years. As a teenager has told UNODC: "Drugs are bad when you want to achieve your goals."

Evidence of drug lab activity in West Africa

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:51:15 GMT

7 August 2009 - The large quantities of chemicals seized on 15 July by the armed forces of Guinea at several locations in Conakry are far in excess of the country's legitimate demands. Expert assessments confirm that some of the substances are chemicals used to produce drugs, such as ecstasy (MDMA) and solvents commonly used in the processing of cocaine and heroin, that are under international control.

Evidence of clandestine laboratory activity in West Africa

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:02:35 GMT

Mother of six speaks of her journey with drug addiction

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:00:45 GMT

17 July 2009 - Amina is 35 years old. She is married and has six children. She is also addicted to heroin.

Amina started using drugs at the age of 10, when she was working as a carpet weaver. The job was strenuous and her workmates advised her to use opium to get relief from the tiredness.

Organized crime plundering West Africa, says UNODC report

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:59:14 GMT

7 July 2009 - Trafficking in persons, drugs, oil, cigarettes, counterfeit medicines, toxic waste and electronic waste ("e-waste") is posing a serious threat to security and development in West Africa.

A UNODC report released today in New York shows that in some cases, the value of trafficking flows through the region surpasses the combined GDP of the West African States, which are among the world's poorest countries.

Transnational Trafficking and the Rule of Law in West Africa: A Threat Assessment

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:54:31 GMT

Transnational Trafficking and the Rule of Law in West Africa: A Threat Assessment

In conversation with Mohamed Rashid, a recovering drug user

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:57:23 GMT

3 July 2009: The Regional UNODC Office for South Asia recently interviewed Mohamed Rashid, a recovering drug user from Maldives. Rashid gives an account of his journey with drugs, how he found help and what he is doing now to assist people with drug addiction.

Managua meeting strengthens regional response to drugs and crime in Central America

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:52:33 GMT

2 July 2009 - Central America is caught in the cross-fire between the world's biggest suppliers of coca (the Andean countries) and the world's biggest consumer of cocaine (North America). The organized crime, violence and corruption that come with this illicit trade pose a threat to security and deepen vulnerability. Ministers from the region recently met and agreed on a political declaration and regional programme to tackle crime, illicit drugs and terrorism.

UNODC Launch of the World Drug Report 2009

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:37:16 GMT

UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa and US Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske release UNODCs World Drug Report 2009 followed by questions from the press and twitter.

Drugs PSA 2009 - Make Health your Fashion

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:34:00 GMT

On World Drug Day 2009 UNODC launched a PSA calling young people to protect their health from drugs.

Statistics highlight link between injecting drug use and HIV

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:23:57 GMT

30 June 2009 - Injecting drug use is responsible for an increasing proportion of HIV infections in many parts of the world. It is estimated in the World Drug Report 2009 that between 11 and 21 million people worldwide inject drugs, and of those, between 0.8 and 6.6 million are infected with HIV.

Why does cannabis potency matter?

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:34:26 GMT

29 June 2009 - Of the many people worldwide who use cannabis, also known as marijuana, very few understand the increase in its potency over the years. Cannabis has changed dramatically since the 1970s. New methods of production have increased the potency and the negative effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most psychoactive of the chemical substances found in marijuana. It is important to understand cannabis potency because of its link to health problems including mental health.

World Drug Day Focuses on Reducing Suffering and Vulnerability

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:31:08 GMT

VIENNA 26 June (UN Information Service) - This year's International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) is highlighting the need to reduce suffering and vulnerability caused by drugs. In a message to mark the day, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said "let us join together to help people suffering from drug addiction and to reduce the number of dangerous places on this planet where drugs are produced, trafficked and consumed."

World Drug Day: Secretary-General's message and public service announcement for youth

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:48:55 GMT

26 June 2009 - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for help for people suffering from drug addiction, with a further call to reduce the number of dangerous places where drugs are produced, trafficked and consumed.

UNODC, as part of its world drug campaign, today premieres a new public service announcement (PSA) which follows four young people as their health deteriorates and they are transformed by the ravages of drug use.

Global coverage of the World Drug Report 2009

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:54:23 GMT

25 June 2009 - The World Drug Report 2009 has received global interest and coverage.

For the first time, UNODC presented the World Drug Report in a variety of media formats to cater for its wide audience. The digital media page, dedicated to the Report, presented a live webcast of the launch in Washington, D.C., including a question and answer session with international journalists. The page also presents video and audio podcasts of experts discussing the different drug themes presented in the report.

UNODC Drugs PSA 2009

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:36:13 GMT

Make health your fashion. Not drugs.

World Drug Report 2009 released

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:38:08 GMT

24 June 2009 - UNODC today released the World Drug Report 2009. The Report was launched in Washington, D.C., by UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa and the newly appointed Director of the United States Office of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske.

The Report shows that global markets for cocaine, opiates and cannabis are steady or in decline, while the production and use of synthetic drugs is feared to be increasing in the developing world.

World Drug Report 2009 Highlights Links Between Drugs and Crime

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:22:08 GMT

Entrevue avec Thomas Pietschmann: tendances mondiales du trafic de drogues

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:02:38 GMT

Entretien avec Thomas Pietschmann qui dévoile les dernières tendances mondiales du trafic de drogues. Il nous parle de saisies récentes ainsi que l'usage de la drogue chez les jeunes.

Interview with UNODC drug expert: Treating drug users reduces demand

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:02:02 GMT

Ted Leggett talks about trafficking routes and how to improve drug control while uncovering latest drug trends from the World Drug Report 2009.

World Drug Report 2009

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:00:04 GMT

The World Drug Report presents comprehensive information on the illicit drug situation. It provides detailed estimates and trends on production, trafficking and consumption in the opium/heroin, coca/cocaine, cannabis and amphetamine-type stimulants markets. This year, for the first time, the World Drug Report includes special feature sections on the quality of drug data available to UNODC, trends in drug use among young people and police-recorded drug offences. It also discusses one the most formidable unintended consequences of drug control - the black market for drugs - and how the international community best can tackle it.

Interview with UNODC drug expert: A downward trend in major markets

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:42:45 GMT

Thomas Pietschmann is revealing new statistics about drug markets and discussing the downward trend in major markets such as opium and cocaine.

Interview with Amphetamines type stimulant expert

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:40:52 GMT

Matthew Nice discusses the rise in use and production of synthetic drugs as well as dangerous mixes of methamphetamine and ecstasy.

UNODC World Drug Report 2009 to be released today

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:01:40 GMT

24 June 2009 - At 10 a.m. Washington D.C. local time (EDT) today, UNODC will release the 2009 edition of its flagship publication, the World Drug Report. UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa and newly appointed Director of the United States Office of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske, will release the Report and take questions from the press and through Twitter. A webcast of the press conference and all relevant materials can be found at http://live.unodc.org. Use #wdr2009 to pose a question via Twitter before 9 a.m. EDT.

Afghanistan identifies cutting agents for heroin

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:17:00 GMT

22 June 2009 - Many drug dealers, motivated by higher profits, use chemicals to "cut" illicit drugs in order to increase the quantities they can sell to consumers. Some of the chemicals alter the effects of the drugs.

In 2008, the laboratory of the Counter-Narcotics Police of Afghanistan (CNPA), through improved forensic capacities and facilities, was able to identify several pharmacological substances that are typically used for mixing with heroin.

UNODC Launch of the World Drug Report 2009

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:41:00 GMT

UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa and US Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske release UNODCs World Drug Report 2009 followed by questions from the press and twitter.

How does UNODC estimate opium cultivation and production figures?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:43:31 GMT

22 June 2009 - Illicit crop cultivation is often linked to insecurity, insurgency and lack of alternative livelihood options. It is important for Governments and the international community to know where opium poppy is cultivated and how much opium and heroin can be produced in order to understand and tackle the issue.

Read how UNODC supports Afghanistan, Myanmar and the Lao People's Democratic Republic in their efforts to estimate the area under opium poppy cultivation in their respective countries each year.

Steep decline in coca cultivation in Colombia, as Peru and Bolivia see increase

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:03:59 GMT

19 June 2009 -While Colombia reported a major decline in coca bush cultivation in 2008 - a decrease of 18 per cent compared to 2007 - Peru and the Plurinational State of Bolivia recorded increases of six per cent and 4.5 per cent, respectively. These statistics are reported in the coca bush cultivation surveys of the Andean countries released today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Peru monitoreo de cultivos de coca - junio 2009

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:49:03 GMT

Bolivia monitoreo de cultivos de coca - junio 2009

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:45:50 GMT

Bolivia coca cultivation survey - June 2009

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:15:00 GMT

Launch of World Drug Report 2009 to be webcast live on 24 June

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:06:30 GMT

17 June 2009 - Next week UNODC will launch the 2009 edition of its flagship publication, the World Drug Report. The event will take place in Washington, D.C., at a press conference during which UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa and newly appointed Director of the United States Office of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske, will release the Report. The press conference will take place at 10 a.m. eastern daylight time on 24 June and will be webcast live at www.unodc.org.

Advisory: World Drug Report 2009 to be launched in Washington on 24 June

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:38:27 GMT

The World Drug Report 2009, the flagship publication of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), will be launched in the Lisagor Room of the National Press Club in Washington DC on 24 June.

Commission on Narcotic Drugs Political Declaration now available online

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:02:46 GMT

16 June 2009 - At the fifty-second session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, held in Vienna from 11 to 20 March 2009, Heads of States adopted the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem. This was agreed at a high-level segment to review progress made on drug control since the twentieth special session of the General Assembly took place in 1998.

Triangular cooperation fights transnational trafficking

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:06:46 GMT

3 June 2009 - Afghanistan, Iran (Islamic Republic of) and Pakistan share a common problem: drug trafficking. Afghanistan is the epicentre of the world opium problem, accounting for 93 per cent of all opium poppy cultivation. Around 80 per cent of the drugs derived from opium poppy (opium, morphine and heroin) are smuggled out through the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan; the rest is smuggled through Central Asia. While some of the drugs are consumed in these markets, most head west.

Preventing smuggling of drug producing chemicals into Afghanistan

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:45:16 GMT

1 June 2009 - The rapid increase in opium poppy cultivation observed in Afghanistan since 2001 has gone hand-in-hand with the emergence of the illicit production of heroin in the country. Because of this, on 12 and 13 May 2009, the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia and the Country Office in Afghanistan convened a High-Level Planning Session to launch Operation TARCET II, an anti-trafficking initiative to prevent the smuggling of chemicals into Afghanistan for use in the manufacture of heroin.

World drug campaign website launched

Fri, 22 May 2009 13:50:37 GMT

22 May 2009 - As part of its campaign to raise awareness about the major challenge that illicit drugs represents to society as a whole, especially to the young, UNODC launched today a dedicated website at www.unodc.org/drugs.

The campaign website includes a wealth of information on different types of drugs, from cannabis to methamphetamine, and health tips for parents, teachers and young people.

The Minister of Interior and Justice of Colombia Fabio Valencia Cossio

Thu, 14 May 2009 13:02:57 GMT

Norha Restrepo of UNODC spoke to the Minister of Interior and Justice of Colombia Fabio Valencia Cossio on the European drug situation during the High Level Segment of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, March 2009. Video in Spanish and English.

The Minister of Interior and Justice of Colombia Fabio Valencia Cossio

Thu, 14 May 2009 09:45:00 GMT

Malaysia reports its largest-ever synthetic drugs bust

Wed, 06 May 2009 15:43:11 GMT

6 May 2009 - Malaysia has just confirmed its largest-ever synthetic drugs bust and the biggest such seizure in South-East Asia in recent years. The estimated 960 kg of crystal methamphetamine, which is locally nicknamed "syabu", are worth several hundred million dollars. They were probably destined for markets in the region and also lucrative markets in Europe, North-East Asia and Australasia. Anti-narcotics police also arrested three men.

Comprehensive regional response launched to combat trafficking in West Africa

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:40:59 GMT

23 April 2009 - A lucrative cocaine trade is flooding West Africa, which is fast becoming a key transit hub for hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of cocaine smuggled from Latin America to Europe. Taking advantage of porous borders and weak State and security institutions, traffickers are operating largely with impunity. The exploding drug trade is breeding widespread corruption and threatening security in the subregion.

Earth Day: how stopping organized crime can help the environment

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:13:44 GMT

22 April 2009 - Earth Day was established to inspire awareness and appreciation for our planet. While most of us are doing what we can to help, there are those who profit from the environment's destruction. Environmental crime is often transnational in nature and involves organized crime activities such as trafficking in natural resources or illegally trading in wildlife.

From coca to palm oil: alternative development in Peru

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:34:57 GMT

20 April 2009 - Until the mid-1990s, Peru was the number one producer of coca in the world. Today, instead of being involved in the illegal cultivation of coca bush, several thousand Peruvian farmers are cultivating crops as diverse as cacao, coffee and trees from which they get oil and heart of palm. This video feature, produced by United Nations television, tells the story of a farmer who has opted to quit growing coca bush with help from a UNODC project.

From coca to palm oil: Alternative development in Peru

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:17:34 GMT

UNTV takes a look at Alternative Development in Peru. Follow farmers as they switch from coca to palm oil.

UNODC launches “pro-health” drug campaign on World Health Day

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:04:31 GMT

7 April 2009 - Today, on occasion of World Health Day, UNODC has launched a global campaign against drugs. "Drug control is not just about security, it's about health. Drug dependence is an illness, and should be prevented and treated as such", said UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa. The international campaign will run until 26 June 2009, which is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Secretary-General Ban warns that terrorism, drugs and crime are thwarting development in Afghanistan

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:59:56 GMT

30 March 2009 - Terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime are seriously impeding progress in Afghanistan, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned today, calling for greater international cooperation to help Afghanistan tackle these challenges.

Interview with Mexican Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora Icaza

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:47:00 GMT

UNODC's Norha Restrepo speaks to Mexican Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora Icaza on the drug situation in his country (Spanish and English).

Interview with Wolfgang Goetz, Director, EMCDDA

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:51:00 GMT

UNODC spoke to the Director of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction on the European drug situation during the High Level Segment of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, March 2009.

Interview with Wolfgang Goetz, Director, EMCDDA

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Commission on Narcotic Drugs puts drug control in the context of security, health and development

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:37:37 GMT

20 March 2009 - The Commission on Narcotic Drugs wrapped up its fifty-second session today in Vienna with a range of decisions to strengthen drug control. The highlight of the session, which ran from 11 to 20 March, was a high-level segment on 11 and 12 March to review drug control since the twentieth special session of the General Assembly held in 1998.

A portable laboratory in a briefcase

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:52:01 GMT

19 March 2009 - Drug traffickers transit through some of the world's most remote regions. What if border guards catch someone transporting suspicious-looking substances in the mountains of Afghanistan or the vast expanses of Central Asia? They must prove that the consignment contains illicit drugs but the nearest laboratory may be thousands of kilometres away. Without proof, they usually have to let the suspect go.

Building family skills to prevent drug use

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:09:02 GMT

17 March 2009 - Families have the potential to be the most powerful protective force in the lives of children and youth. Healthy family relationships may even prevent children and adolescents from engaging in drug use, delinquency and risky sexual behaviours. UNODC has developed a Guide to Implementing Family Skills Training Programmes for Drug Abuse Prevention to assist those who are looking to implement effective prevention interventions for young people and families.

Counter-narcotics operation on the border between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:35:57 GMT

16 March 2009 - Counter-narcotics and police forces of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan carried out the first-ever joint operation against drug trafficking networks on 8 March 2009, in the framework of an initiative brokered by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Press Conference High Level Segment - CND

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:24:15 GMT

UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa along with Mexican Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora Icaza take questions from the press during the CND High Level Segment in March 2009.

African Union Commission and UNODC launch joint project to combat drugs and crime in Africa

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:30:27 GMT

12 March 2009 - At a side event to the High-Level Segment of the fifty-second session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the African Union Commission (AUC) and UNODC today launched their joint project to support the implementation of the AU Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2007-12). The project is an operational response to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the organizations in December 2007.

Yaba: Crazy medicine

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:07:42 GMT

Yaba, or 'crazy medicine' in Thai, is a tablet form of methamphetamine, and a very powerful stimulant. Introduced to East Asia during World War II to enhance soldiers' performance, methamphetamine has become increasingly popular in East Asia, particularly among young people. Yaba is now the main form of methamphetamine abused in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia as well as Viet Nam and Myanmar, where it is typically manufactured.

Yaba: Crazy medicine

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:45:00 GMT

UNODC and WHO launch joint drug dependence treatment programme

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:13:05 GMT

11 March 2009 - UNODC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are launching a Joint Programme on Drug Dependence Treatment and Care today, at a side event to the High-Level Segment of the ongoing UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs. The programme will lead a global collaborative effort for improving coverage and quality of treatment and care services for drug use disorders in low- and middle-income countries.

Santo Domingo Pact strengthens regional cooperation to fight drugs and crime in the Caribbean

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:50:18 GMT

10 March 2009 - At a recent Ministerial Conference in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, agreement was reached to strengthen regional cooperation to fight drugs, crime and terrorism in the Caribbean. In their Political Declaration, Ministers from the region, expressing concern about the impact of drug trafficking and organized crime on security and development, pledged to address these threats as a high priority.

UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs to review global drug trends

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:05:48 GMT

10 March 2009 - The 52nd session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) will meet in Vienna, Austria, from 11 to 20 March. The CND is the policy-making body at the United Nations dealing with illicit drugs. It is also the governing body for UNODC's work in the drugs field.

How to tackle a disturbing consequence of drug control

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:50:49 GMT

6 March 2009 - The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) takes place from 11 to 20 March. In preparation for the meeting, the Executive Director of UNODC, Antonio Maria Costa, has prepared a paper on Organized Crime as a Threat to Security: Tackling a disturbing consequence of drug control.

On the synthetic drugs trail

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:35:55 GMT

6 March 2009 - UNODC has just launched an innovative online report highlighting developments on the global synthetic drugs scene. The first Global SMART Update compiles snapshots of drug seizures, laboratories uncovered, usage and new trafficking trends. "This is a quick and easy tool for Governments and law enforcement agencies to follow emerging challenges related to synthetic drugs" said UNODC manager Jeremy Douglas.

World Drug Report 2008 now available in Russian

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:24:29 GMT

World Drug Report 2008 Russian

West Africa under attack from narco-trafficking

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:18:29 GMT

UNODC has been warning for some time that West Africa is at risk of becoming an epicentre for drug trafficking and the crime and corruption associated with it. At least 50 tons of cocaine from the Andean countries are transiting West Africa every year, heading north where they are worth almost $2 billion on the streets of European cities. Most cocaine entering Africa from South America makes landfall around Guinea-Bissau...

Century of drug control commemorated in Shanghai

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:14:25 GMT

27 February 2009 - Centennial celebrations were held in Shanghai this week to mark the 100th anniversary of the International Opium Commission which met in Shanghai, China in February 1909. The Opium Commission meeting was the first international conference to control drugs, and led to the conclusion of the first international convention on drug control, the Hague International Opium Convention of 1912.

100 Years of Drug Control

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:18:48 GMT

This day in history: The Shanghai Opium Commission, 1909

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:07:06 GMT

26 February 2009 - One hundred years ago today, the first international conference to discuss the world's narcotics problems was convened in Shanghai. This forum laid the groundwork for the first international drug control treaty, the International Opium Convention of The Hague, 1912.

This day in history: The 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:02:44 GMT

21 February 2009- On February 21st, 1971, thirty-eight years ago last Saturday, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances was signed in Vienna at a conference attended by seventy-one states as well as the World Health Organization, INTERPOL and a number of pharmaceutical company representatives.

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) launches its 2008 Annual Report

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:54:42 GMT

20 February 2009 - As the international community commemorates the centennial of the drug control system, the INCB reviews the achievements and presents challenges, including the threats posed by the unregulated sale of internationally controlled substances over the Internet. In particular, the 2008 INCB Report outlines the major issues in the manufacture, trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs in different regions.

This day in history - Commission on Narcotic Drugs established

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:39:42 GMT

16 February 2009 -Sixty-three years ago today, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), a main organ of the United Nations, established the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) as the central policy-making body of the United Nations on drug issues.

Global opium poppy cultivation is decreasing

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:08:14 GMT

2 February 2009 - Two reports just issued by UNODC show that global opium poppy cultivation is falling. The South East Asia Opium Survey launched today in Bangkok shows that the region, once notorious as heroin's Golden Triangle, has a limited opium problem that is concentrated in just one region of Myanmar. South-East Asia accounts for 424 tons of opium (down from 472 tons a year earlier).

Afghanistan Opium Winter Assessment 2009

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:20:03 GMT

Afghanistan Opium Winter Assessment 2009

Opium poppy cultivation in South-East Asia - Dec 2008

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:17:33 GMT

The 1912 Hague International Opium Convention

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:24:11 GMT

23 January 2009 - On 23 January 1912, the International Opium Convention was signed in the Hague by representatives from China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Persia (Iran), Portugal, Russia, Siam (Thailand), the UK and the British oversees territories (including British India). Three years later, it entered into force.

Deadly drug cocktails

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:04:51 GMT

21 January 2009 - Good times at the disco can sometimes mean alcohol- or drug-fuelled binges where ecstasy, methamphetamine and amphetamines are the clubbers' drugs of choice. Today, the use of synthetic drugs significantly exceeds the use of heroin and cocaine combined. But do people know what they are taking?

Drug trafficking in the Golden Triangle

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:06:09 GMT

6 January 2009 - UNODC has just published the second volume of "De Narcoticis"; a series of photojournalism books depicting the lives of real people involved in - or touched by - the trade in illicit drugs.

Executive Director assesses global threats on BBC World Today

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:14:40 GMT

5 January 2009- UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa talks to the BBC World Service about the challenges facing his Office in 2009. He discusses drug trafficking and new forms of organized crime.

Mr. Costa's audio message

London

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:16:43 GMT

Good to be back in London. In this wonderful city I had my first real job -- as a chef, believe or not, in a McDonald's-type joint. Much later, namely when I was about three times older, I spent many years as Secretary-General of the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Major drug seizure in Tajikistan

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:14:07 GMT

24 December 2008 - The UNODC-trained and supported Mobile Deployment Team of the Tajik interior ministry recently seized some 560 kilos of drugs. The seizure consisted mainly of hashish, but also almost 30 kilos of heroin. This is the biggest single seizure in Tajikistan's history.

Putting health at the centre of drug control

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:39:51 GMT

16 December 2008 - At the opening of a seminar on drug addiction prevention and treatment today, UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa urged countries to "put health back at the centre of drug control."

Tackling the Afghan opium threat

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:43:53 GMT

15 December 2008 - Senior international counter-narcotics officials are meeting in Vienna this week to improve efforts to stem the supply of deadly drugs out of Afghanistan. The meeting is organized by UNODC within the framework of the Paris Pact, an initiative which aims to combat Afghan opiates trafficking, consumption and related problems in affected countries.

Sub-prime crisis or solution?

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:55:46 GMT

Money is tight these days. Creditors have been badly burned, and banks are wary of lending to each other or to risky clients. And yet, in many parts of the world, sub-prime lending is exactly what is needed to foster development and reduce vulnerability to drugs and crime.

Responding to drug use and HIV in Iran

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:49:29 GMT

19 November 2008 - Today, Iran's proximity to Afghanistan, which supplies more than 90 per cent of the world's opiates, means that the country is particularly vulnerable to drug abuse. Iran is also a main trafficking route for heroin destined for European markets.

HIV infection rates high among imprisoned women

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:35:15 GMT

17 November 2008 - Prisons are high-risk environments for the transmission of HIV. Worldwide, the levels of HIV infection among prison populations tend to be much higher than in the population outside prisons. Both drug use and HIV infection are more prevalent among women in prison than among imprisoned men.

Ketamine sweeps the rave scene

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:00:09 GMT

10 November 2008 - A drug used to tranquillize horses has taken the world's dance scene by storm. Clubbers are getting cheap thrills with ketamine, also used as a general anaesthetic in developing countries. Now the most abused drug in Hong Kong, ketamine is gaining popularity across southern China. Its use is spreading throughout East Asia as well as Australia, Europe and North America.

Drug trafficking as a security threat in West Africa

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:07:17 GMT

28 October 2008 - According to a new UNODC report, a declining US cocaine market and a rising European one appear to have prompted South American cocaine traffickers to make use of low-governance areas in West Africa as transit zones.

Tráfico de Droga como uma Ameaça á Segurança na África Ocidental

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:23:43 GMT

Tráfico de Droga como uma Ameaça á Segurança na África Ocidental

Le Trafic de Drogue comme Menace á la Sécurité en Afrique de l´Ouest

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:18:13 GMT

Le Trafic de Drogue comme Menace á la Sécurité en Afrique de l´Ouest

Drug Trafficking as a Security Threat in West Africa

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:10:00 GMT

Drogas y crimen: Amenaza para las Américas

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:32:31 GMT

Cambodia tackles safrole oil production

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:57:16 GMT

3 October 2008 - Safrole Rich Oil (SRO) is a natural substance that can be used in the production of ecstasy. In Cambodia, where safrole is harvested, weak regulatory and control systems are making it hard to control SRO production and trade.

UN report focuses on spread of HIV through drug injection

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:55:56 GMT

24 September 2008 - Findings published today in The Lancet show that nearly 16 million people are estimated to inject drugs worldwide. Almost 40 per cent of people who inject drugs were estimated to be living in China, the USA and Russia. In some low- and middle-income countries, more than 40 per cent of all injecting drug users are HIV positive.

Synthetic Drugs: The Agony and the Ecstasy

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:24:01 GMT

Last week in Bangkok I launched the latest report from UNODC called Amphetamines and Ecstasy: 2008 Global ATS Assessment . It provides a sharp picture of the situation of synthetic drugs around the world.

It shows that for many people, synthetic drugs have become the tonic for fast and competitive times. Around the world, people are popping pills and powder known as amphetamine-type stimulants (or ATS). In the West, it is usually used as a "party drug" or to enhance performance (also known as cheating), among professional athletes. In the East, it is being taken to stay alert in manual jobs, like on assembly lines or long-haul trucking.

New markets for synthetic drugs

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:00:57 GMT

9 September 2008 - UNODC's new Global Amphetamine-Type Stimulants Assessment Report warns that synthetic drugs such as ecstasy, amphetamine and methamphetamine - the drugs of modern times - are becoming more popular in developing countries. The report documents a spread of these drugs to new markets, and notes an increased involvement of organized criminal groups in the trade. (See CNN video).

Opium cultivation in Afghanistan down by a fifth

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:00:44 GMT

26 August 2008 - Released today, UNODC's Afghanistan Opium Survey 2008 shows a 19 per cent decrease in opium cultivation to 157,000 hectares, compared to the record harvest of 193,000 in 2007. Owing to a higher yield of 48.8 kg/ha (up from 42.5 kg/ha in 2007), opium production has dropped less dramatically, down 6 per cent from 8,200 to 7,700.

Record heroin seizure in the UAE

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:00:00 GMT

19 August 2008 - Police in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last week seized 202 kilograms of heroin and arrested 19 suspects in what is the biggest-ever heroin seizure in the Arab world. The police said the high-purity heroin, worth around US$11 million, was intercepted in the Emirate of Sharjah, where the suspects ran a fruit and vegetable business as a cover.

Former drug user now top athlete in Iran

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:21:38 GMT

25 July 2008 - Five years ago, Abbas Amir-Mafi was one of Iran's hundreds of thousands of drug users; hooked on opium at 12, kicked out of home and feeding his habit with odd jobs. Thanks to treatment, he is now a member of the national archery team, trains 6-7 hours per day and is drug free. Drug dependence treatment programmes work.

Targeting precursor chemicals in Afghanistan and beyond

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:30:29 GMT

16 July 2008 - More than 3 tons of precursor chemicals used to produce heroin were recently seized in Afghanistan within the framework of the UNODC-supported 'Operation Tarcet'. The regional Operation targets the smuggling of precursor chemicals into the country which currently supplies more than 90 per cent of the world's heroin.

Playing against drugs in Brazil’s mini-Euro Cup

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:33:13 GMT

9 July 2008 - The Swiss and Austrian Embassies together with UNODC recently hosted a mini-Euro Cup in Brasilia to promote sports as a means to deter drug abuse. Held on the official opening day of the 2008 Euro Cup football tournament - 7 June - the one-day contest specifically targeted disadvantaged children.

Solidarity against Drugs : Remarks to the “Beyond 2008” NGO Forum

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:16:00 GMT

World Drug Day 2008

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:25:32 GMT

4 July 2008 - On 26 June, UNODC offices around the world held different events to celebrate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. On the same day, UNODC also launched its 2008 World Drug Report. Below a selection of some of the events that took place around the world.

Civil society contributes to the UN drug policy review

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:57:55 GMT

4 July 2008 - From 7-9 July, more than 300 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from across the world will participate in "Beyond 2008", a global NGO forum on the 1998-2008 Review of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on illicit drugs. The forum will allow civil society to have a say on future drug policy.

UNODC launches 2008 World Drug Report

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:11:48 GMT

26 June 2008 - The World Drug Report 2008, the UNODC flagship publication, was launched in New York today by Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa. The report shows that the recent stabilization in the world drugs market is under threat because a surge in opium and coca cultivation and the risk of higher drug use in developing countries threaten to undermine recent progress in drug control.

2008 World Drug Report

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:02:00 GMT

The World Drug Report presents comprehensive information on the illicit drug situation. It provides detailed estimates and trends on production, trafficking and consumption in the opium/heroin, coca/cocaine, cannabis and amphetamine-type stimulants markets. The drug problem is being contained but there are warning signs that the stabilisation which has occurred over the last few years could be in danger. Notable amongst these is the increase in both opium poppy and coca cultivation in 2007, some growth in consumption in developing countries and some development of new trafficking patterns. There have also been encouraging contractions in some of the main consumer markets. This year, almost one hundred years since the Shanghai Opium Commission in 1909, the Report presents an historical review of the development of the international drug control system.

World Drug Report 2008 video news release

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:00:00 GMT

The World Drug Report 2008 shows that the recent stabilization in the world drugs market is under threat. A surge in opium and coca cultivation and the risk of higher drug use in developing countries threaten to undermine recent progress in drug control. This video news release illustrates the main findings of the report.

Duration: 4:33

Audio: World Drug Report 2008

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:56:48 GMT

Listen to the findings of the World Drug Report 2008:

1. UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa explains to Preeta Bannerjee why the world drug containment is under threat (Duration: 4:41 - Download)

Closer to home – drug use in six Latin American countries in focus

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:08:43 GMT

26 June 2008 - Argentina, Chile and Uruguay are the countries with the greatest use of illicit drugs, Bolivia appears to be in an intermediate situation, and Peru and Ecuador have detected lower consumption of these drugs. However, in the case of Peru, approximately one out of two cocaine consumers present signs of dependency, the first Comparative Study on Drug Consumption in the general population between the ages of 15 and 64 indicates.

A study tour of Amsterdam

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:05:50 GMT

According to economic science, the greater the availability of a commodity on the market, the more likely its consumption (via the price effect, but also thanks to psychological factors). Does this only apply to normal markets? My Office has examined whether there is a statistical relationship between availability of drugs and their use, and reached the same conclusion.

Not everybody accepts the argument.

Inevitably in public meetings I have been asked: how do you explain the fact that cannabis consumption is not higher in the Netherlands than in neighboring countries, although in the Netherlands cannabis is available in coffee shops? The issue has even evolved into a mini-cause celebre in some corners of the NGO and YouTube crowd .

Since UNODC is interested in examining evidence to support policy (we have done so in Australia, Japan and Sweden), I decided to go to Amsterdam to study its experience.

Drugs and crime in Central America and the Caribbean

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:18:08 GMT

19 June 2008 - Caught in the crossfire between the world's biggest suppliers and consumers of cocaine, countries in Central America and the Caribbean are suffering the consequences of the international drug trade. Crime is stifling their economies, and where violent crime and corruption flourish, socio-economic development lags and democracy is undermined.

Coca cultivation in the Andean region - June 2008

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:57:34 GMT

"Tik": Crystal meth in Cape Town

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:07:23 GMT

13 June 2008 - In Cape Town, South Africa, crystal methamphetamine use has exploded very quickly. Known locally as "tik," the drug was virtually unknown as late as 2003. Now, it is the city's main drug of abuse, even when alcohol is included. Tik is usually smoked, using a straw in a light bulb. Grant Jardine, Director of the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre, explains the increase in tik use and what impact this drug has on users.

Afghanistan: staff with brains and guts

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:01:46 GMT

UNODC's crop surveys on coca, opium and cannabis are considered the gold standard for reliable data on the cultivation of illicit drugs. The same goes for our reports on monitoring verification of drug eradication.

It is sometimes forgotten that there are people behind these numbers - real heroes who are out in the field (on foot, camel, horse, motorcycle, and all terrain vehicle) talking to farmers, and measuring first hand how much coca or poppy is being grown.

From Morocco to Burma, from Afghanistan to Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia we have hundreds of specialists reporting, through UNODC, how the drug situation in evolving on the supply side.

Monitoring illicit crop production

Tue, 27 May 2008 13:46:42 GMT

27 May 2008 - Monitoring the cultivation and yield of illicit crops - or crop monitoring - is a critical aspect of UNODC's work. Estimating global illicit drug production and identifying trends help countries design appropriate drug control policies and alternative livelihood strategies.

Regional Information Centre supports counter-narcotic efforts

Thu, 22 May 2008 13:51:49 GMT

22 May 2008 - Over the last decade, criminal organizations have increasingly smuggled Afghan heroin through Central Asia. To counter the illicit drug trafficking, UNODC recently launched the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC). Lieutenant General Beksultan Sarsekov, Director of the Centre, spoke to Galina Fomaidi from UNODC's Regional Office in Central Asia about the initiative.

Yaba, the 'crazy medicine' of East Asia

Mon, 19 May 2008 14:29:50 GMT

19 May 2008 - Yaba, or 'crazy medicine' in Thai, is a tablet form of methamphetamine, and a very powerful stimulant. Introduced to East Asia during World War II to enhance soldiers' performance, methamphetamine has become increasingly popular in East Asia, particularly among young people. Yaba is now the main form of methamphetamine abused in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia as well as Viet Nam and Myanmar, where it is typically manufactured.

الوقاية من تعاطي المخدرات في الشرق الاوسط

Mon, 19 May 2008 11:59:11 GMT

Preventing drug abuse in the Middle East

Wed, 14 May 2008 15:16:44 GMT

14 May 2008 - UNODC's Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa has just concluded a regional awareness campaign on drug abuse, with a particular focus on youth. The campaign, HEMAYA, was organized in collaboration with the Dubai Police, the Right Start International Foundation, and several prominent leaders and intellectuals in the fields of media, sports, and culture.

Indian students say "I Decide"

Thu, 08 May 2008 15:07:00 GMT

8 May 2008 - UNODC and the Delhi Public School Society are working together to improve the drug awareness education in some 200 Indian schools. By integrating drug awareness into school curricula and extra-curricular activities, the programme seeks to empower youth by promoting one message: "I decide - I will not take drugs."

Ecotourism provides Colombians with a livelihood

Mon, 05 May 2008 16:50:24 GMT

5 May 2008 - From the window of the approaching aircraft you can make out the blue seawater, the white beaches, the cliffs and the luxuriant forest of el Chocó, inviting visitors to come and relax. Not far off, Capurganá shows up as a small settlement by the seashore where there are neither cars nor motorcycles; the only means of transport on land are horse‑drawn carts.

Illicit Drug Trends of Afghan opiates

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:24:51 GMT

30 April 2008 - Afghanistan is virtually the world's sole producer of opium, yielding at least 93 per cent of the global annual output. This poses a serious health and security threat to the world, particularly Afghanistan and its neighbours. To better understand the nature, extent and impact of this threat, UNODC has launched a series of Illicit Drug Trend reports.

Why should we care about cannabis?

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:12:14 GMT

25 April 2008 - Approximately 4 per cent of the world's adults - some 162 million people - use cannabis at least once in the course of a year, making it the world's most widely used illicit drug. In some countries, more than half of all young people have tried it. In spite of this high rate of usage, many basic facts about cannabis remain obscure.

Less Crime for More Development

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:51:19 GMT

Being called the Office on "drugs and crime" is pretty sinister. It says what we are against, not what we are for. We are known as being the centre of the UN's fight against "uncivil society", and for battling the "dark side of globalization". But I would prefer to tell people what we are in favour of, namely security and justice for all.

Sports help prevent drug abuse

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:59:34 GMT

2 April 2008 - More than 2,000 young people, aged 15-29, recently gathered at a youth conference in Brazil's capital, Brasilia. For the first time in this region, youngsters discussed youth-related issues and proposed policies. Drugs and violence were among the participants´ top priorities. UNODC Brazil partnered with the Global Sport Fund to promote drug abuse prevention and to gather ideas for future youth-related regional and national policies.

UNODC and UNIDO extend Laos alternative income programme

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:55:27 GMT

31 March 2008 - UNODC recently committed to extending a joint project with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to provide alternative income opportunities for opium poppy growing communities in the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Young Japanese leaders visit Vienna

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:42:21 GMT

28 March 2008 - Six Japanese students active in their communities in raising awareness and funds to prevent drug abuse presented the results of a nationwide anti-drugs campaign at UNODC headquarters in Vienna yesterday.

Uzbek officers put UNODC training to good use

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:24:37 GMT

19 March 2008 - UNODC-trained law enforcement officers recently intercepted a large amount of heroin being smuggled through Uzbekistan. The investigation uncovered one of the biggest drug smuggling cases in the country.

Health: The First Principle of Drug Policy

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:25:12 GMT

It is often forgotten that health is the first principle of drug policy. Improving security (against drug traffickers and dealers) and promoting development (to enable farmers to find sustainable alternatives to growing illicit crops) are necessary, but not sufficient, measures. Because even if you eliminate the world's entire supply of cannabis, coca, and opium, and even if you could seize all drugs in circulation, you would still have 25 million drug users looking for ways to satisfy their addiction. So the key to drug policy is reducing demand for drugs and treating addiction - and that is very much a health care issue.

“Nothing Less”: Improving drug dependence treatment

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:17:42 GMT

18 March 2008 - A new, joint UNODC-World Health Organization (WHO) discussion paper, "Principles of Drug Dependence Treatment," highlights nine key principles for effective treatment of drug dependence. Developed through scientific consultations, the paper aims to raise awareness about the nature of drug dependence as a health disorder.

UNODC/WHO principles of drug dependence treatment

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:06:37 GMT

Brazil’s first magazine on drug dependence

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:49:26 GMT

17 March 2008 - A publication aimed at helping family members and friends of individuals who struggle with dependence, "Anonymous", was launched this week in Brazil with UNODC support. "Everybody knows someone in their family - or has a friend - who struggles with this problem," says magazine coordinator Romina Cerchiaro. "Our target are the people - their lives and social bonds".

Commission on Narcotic Drugs considers future of drug control

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:30:22 GMT

14 March 2008 - The 51st session of the annual Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) wrapped up today. Reviewing ten years of progress since the United Nations General Assembly committed itself to "achieving significant and measurable results in the field of demand reduction", the Commission noted progress in some key areas but found that much still needs to be done.

Not So Silent Partners

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:50:04 GMT

13 March 2008 - "I value the fact that you have spoken out on important issues. We don't need silent partners; we need dynamic, outspoken ones!" said UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa at the opening of the NGO Forum "Not So Silent Partners", a side event to the 51 ^st session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND).

UNODC launches its 2008 Annual Report

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:11:15 GMT

10 March 2008 - The year 2008 was marked by two major developments: record levels of opium poppy production in Afghanistan and the emergence of West Africa as a transshipment point for cocaine traffickers bound for Europe. These disturbing trends are covered in the UNODC Annual Report 2008 (covering activities in 2007), which was launched today.

51st session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:04:40 GMT

Rebels without a clue

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Within Europe in recent years, a few influential pop stars and other fashion-conscious celebrities have been at the forefront of efforts to improve living standards in Africa. Bob Geldof's renowned Live Aid concerts and Bono's Drop the Debt campaign have been vital in raising political awareness and money to tackle the continent's economic crisis. Stopping the trade in blood diamonds and promoting fair trade with Africa have been two other favoured causes of the celebrity elite.

Reaching out to youth to prevent drug abuse

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:51:10 GMT

27 February 2008 - "He dreamed of becoming a doctor." "We loved each other, dreamed about getting married and having children." "I was the best sister in the world for him, he promised to take me to Paris."

But he didn't become a doctor, didn't marry, and didn't take his sister to Paris. He died of drug abuse at the age of 18.

Teachers support students under pressure

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:22:30 GMT

20 February 2008 - Rosanna Yactayo Castro has been teaching for almost 20 years. She works in a secondary school in Lima's port area, Callao. Her district is one of the areas recently identified as a high-risk zone for drug abuse among young people. Yactayo was one of more than 400 teachers across Peru who received training through a UNODC-supported initiative to get students talking about healthy lifestyles and conflict-resolution.

UNODC anticipates another large opium crop in Afghanistan in 2008

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:51:31 GMT

6 February 2008 - The opium poppy seedlings are still under the ground or snow in most parts of Afghanistan, but the UNODC Opium Winter Rapid Assessment Survey, released today, broadly anticipates what can be expected when they bloom this spring.

Afghan Winter Rapid Assessment Opium Survey 2008

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:46:36 GMT

Reducing the harm of drugs

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:20:10 GMT

22 January - Some have perceived a contradiction between drug prevention and treatment on the one hand and efforts to reduce the negative health and social consequences of drug use on the other. However, in a new discussion paper, UNODC says that these are in fact complementary rather than contradictory.

Reducing the adverse health and social consequences of drug abuse: A comprehensive approach

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:19:19 GMT

Winds of Change in Turkmenistan

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 23:00:00 GMT

I have just returned from the gas-rich Central Asian country of Turkmenistan.

Under its new President, Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow, this once secretive country is opening up to the world.

Since it is located along one of the biggest opium trafficking routes from Afghanistan to the West, Turkmenistan has been feeling the effects of drugs and crime along its borders.

Into The Lion's Den

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:00:00 GMT

On 7 December I made a speech to a rather unusual audience - the Drug Policy Alliance, most of whom are in favour of legalizing drugs. It was a rather raucous affair with a few boos but more applause than expected.

UNODC strategy for 2008-2011

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 13:08:37 GMT

4 January 2008 - UNODC now has a new medium-term strategy (2008-2011) that is designed to chart the organization's response to the rising challenges of drugs, crime and terrorism. The strategy will position the organization in the context of a changing world, where combating "problems without borders" is a priority for the international community.

Assisting Guinea-Bissau

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:28:58 GMT

19 December - This address was made by Mr. Costa today in Lisbon at a pledging conference for Guinea-Buissau. It draws heavily on a statement that he made at the UN Security Council on 12 December.

"Guinea-Bissau, long neglected by the international community, is starting to get some attention. One week ago, the situation in Guinea-Bissau was discussed in the Security Council. There was strong support for Prime Minister Cabi's request that Guinea-Bissau be placed on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission."

Assisting Guinea-Bissau

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:00:02 GMT

“Rainbow Strategy” for Afghanistan

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:54:39 GMT

18 December - Countries affected by Afghanistan's opium cultivation have been urged to throw their support behind a range of programmes designed to reduce the supply, trafficking, and consumption of the world's deadliest drug.

The reality in which farmers live

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 10:01:53 GMT

12 December - Cristina Albertin, UNODC Representative in Bolivia, already knew the country well before she took up her post in early 2007. Ms. Albertin, a German agronomist, had lived in La Paz between 1991 and 1994. In this interview, Ms. Albertin reflects upon the situation of farmers in Bolivia and the opportunities for development that are within their reach.

Europe's Cocaine, Africa's Problem

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:00:00 GMT

Speaking at the Security Council on 12 December, UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa said that "Guinea-Bissau has lost control of its territory and can not administer justice". The police and justice system are completely overwhelmed and ill-equipped to deal with the threat posed by foreign criminal groups colluding with powerful local allies. [Full Text of the Press Release]

Le Trafic de Cocaïne en Afrique de l'Ouest: Une menace pour la stabilité et le développement (avec référence spéciale à la Guinée-Bissau)

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:56:05 GMT

Cocaine Trafficking in West Africa: The threat to stability and development (with special reference to Guinea-Bissau)

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:55:35 GMT

The Reality in Which Farmers Live

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:51:46 GMT

Free drugs or drug free?

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:16:39 GMT

7 December - Should drugs be legalized? Some people think so, like a recent article written by Ethan Nadelmann in Foreign Policy magazine. The Executive Director of UNODC, Antonio Maria Costa, put forward his views on the topic to a meeting in New Orleans hosted by the Drug Policy Alliance.

Curbing the cocaine flow

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:12:42 GMT

5 December - The joint UNODC-World Customs Organization container control programme has seen numerous successes in its short history. Recently, almost two tons of cocaine was seized in the port of Guayaquil, Ecuador - the biggest in a series of seizures this year.

Upgraded directory of Competent National Authorities

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:41:30 GMT

29 November - The on-line directory provides information on the competent national authorities (CNAs) designated under the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988, to send and receive requests for international cooperation in the areas of extradition, mutual legal assistance and drug trafficking by sea.

Fidela, Felix and the chocolate factory

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:21:30 GMT

Fidela, Felix and the chocolate factory

27 November - Rural entrepreneurs in Peru's Apurimac River Valley who used to cultivate coca are now growing cocoa beans for Swiss chocolate maker Pronatec. The cocoa bean harvests of Fidela del Villar Baca and Felix Martinez Escribas were among the approximately 300 tons of cocoa beans sold in 2006. Since 2002, the company has been purchasing organically certified Peruvian cocoa from the Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera del Valle Rio Apurimac (CACVRA).

West Africa Urged to Reduce Vulnerability of Children to Trafficking

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:46:47 GMT

At an international meeting on trafficking in children and armed conflict taking place from 26-28 November in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Antonio Maria Costa, urged governments of West and Central Africa to reduce the vulnerability of children to human trafficking.

Dismantling meth labs in Cambodia

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 23:00:00 GMT

23 November - Recently, the Cambodian National Authority for Combating Drugs dismantled a clandestine laboratory in Kampong Speu Province(some 80 km south-west of Phnom Penh), the first such discovery made in Cambodia. The laboratory was in the first stages of the manufacture of methamphetamine, or crystal meth. During the raid, the Anti-Drug Department, in collaboration with the Police Commission in Kampong Speu, confiscated approximately 5.8 tons of the precursor chemicals.

UNODC’s royal visitors

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 23:00:00 GMT

22 November - The United Nations headquarters in Vienna received Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden during their State visit to Austria yesterday. Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of UNODC, welcomed the royal couple and explained the scope of the Office's work ranging from combating illicit drugs and drug addiction to tackling the sinister "problems without borders" - migrant smuggling, corruption, illicit firearms, terrorism, human trafficking and cybercrime.

"Drug consumption rooms" in Italy

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 23:00:00 GMT

22 November - In a letter to the Mayor of Turin, Sergio Chiamparino, UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa expresses concern about the opening of "drug consumption rooms" and the prescription of heroin to drug users.

Costa stressed the need for proper treatment for patients addicted to heroin and invited Italy and Turin to invest more in accessible, integrated, high-quality, specialized treatments as a way of improving health and security.

Drug trafficking and the financing of terrorism

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:00:28 GMT

21 November - Although the link between terrorism and other related crimes, such as drug trafficking, is evident and has been recognized by the United Nations Security Council, a thorough understanding is needed in order to develop solid strategies to prevent and disrupt these crimes.

Afghan opium report

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:36:41 GMT

16 November - In its final Afghan Opium Survey for 2007 issued today, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) shows that opium is now equivalent to more than half (53%) of the country's licit GDP. Speaking at a conference in Brussels on the future of Afghanistan, hosted by Princeton University, the Executive Director of UNODC, Antonio Maria Costa, announced that the total export value of opiates produced in and trafficked from Afghanistan in 2007 is about $4 billion.

Europe's cocaine curse

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:36:06 GMT

15 November - In a speech presented to a Conference on Cocaine taking place in Madrid today, the head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Antonio Maria Costa, urged Europe's cocaine users to take greater responsibility for the consequences of their addiction. Mr. Costa attributed high levels of cocaine use in Europe to the drug's image. Compared to heroin, "cocaine is white not dark; sniffed not injected; consumed in trendy discos not in cities' gutters..."

Paris Pact: stopping the flow of opium from Afghanistan

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:53:34 GMT

31 October 2007 - Senior international counter-narcotics officials recently met in Kabul to improve efforts to stem the supply of deadly drugs out of Afghanistan. The meeting was organized by UNODC and held in the framework of the Paris Pact; an initiative launched in 2003 to promote coordinated measures to counter narco-trafficking in and from Afghanistan.

Worrisome rise in Myanmar opium cultivation

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:11:41 GMT

10 October 2007 - The Golden Triangle - comprising Laos, Myanmar and Thailand - is no longer a major supplier of opium. A concerted eradication drive over the past decades has slashed opium cultivation in this once notorious region to the point that South East Asia now produces only 5 per cent of the world's deadliest drug - the rest comes from Afghanistan.

Drug Trafficking in West Africa

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:50:42 GMT

UNODC's Brian Taylor, Chief Anti-Trafficking Section, discusses drug trafficking in West Africa with Louise Potterton after attending the 17th Meeting of the Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA) in Nairobi, Kenya.

Duration: 7:02

Afghanistan Opium Poppy Survey 2007

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 14:35:00 GMT

In the yearly Afghanistan opium survey, UNODC finds that opium production in Afghanistan has increased, although more provinces are now drug-free.

Anja Korenblick, UNODC Research Officer (Duration: 7:52)

Drugs? Ask the experts: Promo

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:06:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered why cannabis is more dangerous for you than cigarettes? Whether you can become addicted to ecstasy or overdose on cocaine? Or what makes heroin such a dangerous drug? These questions and more are answered in the series Drugs? Ask the experts. UNODC has teamed up with a group of international teenagers to put their questions to the experts. In this series of interviews we put cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin under the spotlight. And talk frankly about the production, trafficking, and damaging effects of these illegal drugs.

Drugs? Ask the experts: Intro

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:05:00 GMT

Drugs? Ask the experts: Cannabis

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:04:00 GMT

Drugs? Ask the experts: Ecstasy

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:03:00 GMT

Drugs? Ask the experts: Cocaine

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:02:00 GMT

Drugs? Ask the experts: Heroin

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:01:00 GMT

Afghanistan opium survey - Oct 2007

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:58:00 GMT

Opium poppy cultivation in South-East Asia - Oct 2007

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 22:00:00 GMT

Laboratory science: More than just drug control

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 22:00:00 GMT

For more than 50 years, laboratory expertise has played a critical role in United Nations drug control efforts. The role of laboratories in modern society, however, is much broader than drug control. Although they impact on areas such as law enforcement, criminal justice and health care, their contribution is seldom recognized.

Christina Oguz: "To work in Afghanistan, you need to be an optimist."

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 22:00:00 GMT

UNODC Representative in Afghanistan Christina Oguz talks about drugs and crime and life in a country devastated by opium, poverty and war.

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Afghanistan Opium Survey 2007 - Executive Summary

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 22:00:00 GMT

2007 World Drug Report

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:00:00 GMT

2007 World Drug Report Executive Summary

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:00:00 GMT

Coca cultivation in the Andean region - June 2007

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 22:00:00 GMT

UNODC chief welcomes major cocaine seizure in Guinea-Bissau, urges full backing for police

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 22:00:00 GMT

UNODC - Crop Monitoring

youth initiative

Afghanistan and neighbouring countries by Alessandro Scotti

International Standards on Drug Use Prevention - History

Neverending Party

A portable laboratory in a briefcase

three countries unite to fight common problem

27 May 2009 - Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan are uniting to fight the threat of drugs in the region.

Afghanistan accounts for 93% of global opium cultivation. Around two-thirds of the drugs (opium, morphine and heroin) are smuggled out through Iran and Pakistan, and the rest through Central Asian countries. The drugs are partly consumed in these countries and partly transported to more profitable markets in the West.

Crime and its deadly link with terrorism