In its annual 2024 report, published on Tuesday, the INCB explains that, unlike plant -based drugs, These substances can be done anywhere, without the need for a large -scale crop, making them easier and more cheaper so that traffickers produce and distribute.
The emergence of powerful opioids such as fentanyl and nitazenos, powerful enough to cause overdose in small doses, the crisis has worsened, conducting record deaths.
“The rapid expansion of the illegal synthetic drug industry represents an important global threat to public health With potentially disastrous consequences for humanity, “said the president of INCB, Jallal Toufiq.
“We need to work together to take stronger measures against this deadly problem that is causing hundreds of deaths and damages not counted to communities,” he continued.
Traffickers are kept ahead of regulations
Criminal groups are constantly adapting to evading the application of the law.
When exploiting legal gaps, new synthetic compounds develop and use artificial intelligence to find alternative chemicals for drug production.
The new smuggling methods, including drones and postal deliveries, make these drugs more difficult to detect.
As a result, Synthetic substance seizures are now surpassing those of traditional drugs based on plants such as heroin and cocaine.
Mosaic response
Despite the efforts to stop synthetic drugs, the answers remain fragmented, which allows traffickers to remain at the forefront.
INCB is asking for greater global cooperation, including associations between governments, private companies and international organizations, to interrupt supply chains and avoid damage.
Medications out of reach
While synthetic drugs flood illegal markets, millions of people in low and medium -sized countries still lack access to essential medicines for pain relief.
The report highlights that opioid analgesics such as morphine remain not available in regions such as Africa, South Asia and Central America, not due to the shortage of supplies, but due to barriers in distribution and regulation.
The INCB urges opioid producing nations to increase production and affordability to improve palliative care and pain management.
Regional access points concerns
The report identifies several regions where synthetic drug trafficking is expanding.
In Europe, the imminent heroine deficit after the opium prohibition of Afghanistan of Afghanistan could push more users towards synthetic alternatives while in North America, despite efforts to stop the crisis, Synthetic deaths related to opioids remain at maximum records.
The manufacture, traffic and use of amphetamine stimulants are increasing in the Middle East and Africa, where treatment and rehabilitation services are often inappropriate.
Meanwhile, in the Asia-Pacific region, methamphetamine and ketamine traffic continues to grow, particularly in the golden triangle.
Call for urgent action
INCB urges governments to strengthen international collaboration, improve data exchange and expand medication prevention and treatment services.
Without a decisive action, drug synthetic trade will continue to evolve, putting more lives at risk.
