The fight against drug trafficking is one of the main mandates under which UNODC was established in 1997, with the aim of integrating its programs against drugs and crime. This mandate is clearly established in the UNODC Strategy 2021-2025 under thematic area 1: Addressing and effectively countering the global drug problem.

The primary legal instruments in this field are: The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988.

THE CHALLENGE

Participantes en taller sobre nuevas sustancias psicoactivas ofrecido por UNODC utilizando batas en un laboratorio.

Global drug trafficking presents an extremely complex and challenging landscape. Cocaine production is at a record level, and seizures of amphetamine and methamphetamine have skyrocketed, along with seizures of other synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances whose markets are expanding into new and more vulnerable regions. Marijuana remains the most consumed drug in the world (209 million consumers), now reinforced by the consumption of synthetic cannabinoids.

The situation becomes more pressing when considering that illicit drug trafficking can flourish in conflict situations and weak rule of law, and in turn, it can prolong or fuel the conflict.

Regional Situation

With the largest markets for illicit drugs (North America) and the largest producers (South America and Mexico) present in the region, it becomes an area of high levels of drug trafficking. Central America and the Caribbean region serve as transit zones for these substances both northward and toward Western and Central Europe and other parts of the world.

Drug overdose deaths in North America are on the rise, especially those caused by synthetic opioids related to fentanyl. The region is also seeing an increasing presence of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances, as well as the diversion of veterinary drugs for human abuse.

Drug trafficking is conducted by intricate networks of transnational organized crime, with multiple nodes and actors within the supply chain, connecting the producer market (south) with the consumer market (north). These networks have specific locations and their own structures that perform different functions. Drug cartels often subcontract smaller local groups to organize transit logistics within each country. These local groups work for multiple "clients" and are available to whoever pays for their services.

Cuatro unidades de policía en un taller ofrecido por UNODC.

Intensify cross-border cooperation in law enforcement and criminal justice and intelligence sharing to dismantle transnational trafficking enterprises.
Combat the increasing drug trafficking through river and maritime routes by strengthening container control and interdiction capacities at ports, and raising awareness among port authorities and shipping companies about related risks.
Increase technical assistance to developing countries to facilitate their participation in international cooperation and joint operations, including addressing drug trafficking on the dark web.
Strengthen the capacities of member states in the detection and analysis of synthetic drugs and provide technical assistance for the establishment of Early Warning Systems.

Personal de UNODC entrega kits de detección de drogas sintéticas a funcionarios de la Policía Nacional en Honduras.

- Police
- Customs
- Public Prosecutor's Office
- Forensic Laboratories
- Law Enforcement Agencies

Dos unidades de la policía trabajando en una computadora.

Publications and Resources

United Nations

UNODC ROPAN

Drug trafficking

THE CHALLENGE

Regional Situation

WHAT WE DO?

COUNTERPARTS

Police

Customs

Public Prosecutor's Office

Forensic Laboratories

Law Enforcement Agencies

Publications and Resources

UNODC Strategy 2021-2025

UNODC Strategy against Synthetic Drugs

UNODC Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs

UNODC Early Warning System

UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Services (LSS)

SMART Publications

ICE Publications

Global SMART Forensics