In its annual report of 2024, released on Tuesday, INCB explains that, unlike plant-based medicines, These substances can be done anywhere, without the need for large-scale cultivation, making them easier and cheaper for traffickers to produce and distribute.
The rise of powerful opioids such as fentanyl and Nitazens-powerful enough to cause overdoses in small doses-piped the crisis, boosting record deaths.
“The rapid expansion of the illicit synthetic pharmaceutical industry represents a great global threat to public health with potentially disastrous consequences for humanity, ”he said INCB President Jallal Toufiq.
“We need to work together to take stronger measures against this deadly problem that is causing hundreds of incalculable deaths and damage to the communities,” he continued.
Traffickers are ahead of regulations
Criminal groups are constantly adapting to avoid law enforcement.
When exploring legal breaches, they develop new synthetic compounds and Use artificial intelligence to find alternative chemicals for drug production.
New smuggiving methods – including drones and postal deliveries – make these drugs more difficult to detect.
As a result, Synthetic substance seizures are now surpassing traditional plant -based drugs such as heroin and cocaine.
Patchwork response
Despite efforts to contain synthetic medications, the answers remain fragmented, allowing traffickers to remain ahead.
InCB is asking for stronger global cooperation, including partnerships between governments, private companies and international organizations, to interrupt supply chains and prevent damage.
Out -of -reach medication
While synthetic drugs flood illegal markets, millions of people in low and medium -income countries do not yet have access to essential pain relief medications.
The report points out that opioid painkillers, such as morphine, remain unavailable in regions such as Africa, Southern Asia and Central America – not due to supply scarcity, but because of barriers in distribution and regulation.
InCB is asking opioid -producing nations to increase production and accessibility to improve palliative care and pain management.
Regional Allegations of Hotspots
The report identifies several regions where synthetic drug trafficking is expanding.
In Europe, the impending heroin deficit after the 2022 opium prohibition of Afghanistan could lead more users to synthetic alternatives While in North America, despite efforts to contain the crisis, Deaths related to synthetic opioids remain in high record.
The manufacture, trafficking and use of amphetamine stimulants are increasing in the Middle East and Africa, where treatment and rehabilitation services are often inadequate.
Meanwhile, in the Asia Pacific region, methamphetamine and ketamine trafficking continues to grow, especially in the golden triangle.
Urgent action
InCB is asking governments to strengthen international collaboration, improve data sharing services, and expand drug prevention and treatment services.
Without decisive action, synthetic drug trade will continue to evolve, putting more lives at risk.
