VIENNA, Austria – November 2021: The new UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy 2021-2025 was launched during a special hybrid event of the sixty-fourth session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna on the 19th of November 2021.

As synthetic drug manufacture can occur anywhere depending on human creativity and the availability of a few strategic chemicals, the dynamic nature of synthetic drug markets necessitates nimble and adaptable solutions. The UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy presents a framework for action to address this global problem with four spheres of action:

(1) Multilateralism and international cooperation,

(2) Early Warning on emerging synthetic drug threats to prevent the crises before they happen,

(3) Promotion of science-informed health responses and

(4) Strengthening of counternarcotic capacity and support of international operations to disrupt trafficking in synthetic drugs. 

Within the framework of this strategy, the UNODC Global SMART Programme, implemented by the Laboratory and Scientific Service, offers capacity building on early warning, synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances for law enforcement officers, forensic personnel and national drug data analysts. Its Early Warning Advisory on NPS serves as a global hub for science-based early warning on emerging synthetic drug threats.

For more information, please see:

UNDOC, CND Special Event: Launch of the UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy 2021-2025 (November 2021).

UNODC, Global Synthetic Drugs Assessment 2020 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.20.XI.9).

UNODC, World Drug Report 2021 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.21.XI.8).

UNODC Laboratory and Forensic Science Service

UNODC SMART Publications


***The Spanish translation of this news item is made possible thanks to a collaboration with OAS/CICAD, a partner of the UNODC EWA.***