President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Prof. Sevil Atasoy drew attention to serious challenges faced by the Board, such as the rapid spread of synthetic drugs, particularly non-medical synthetic opioids, increasingly complex illicit manufacturing methods, and persistent inequalities in access to essential controlled medicines.
Prof. Atasoy stated, “Drug trafficking is increasing in Africa. The production of synthetic drugs is spreading in Europe. South Asia leads in opioid consumption. Access to controlled substances for medical purposes must be increased. Governments should strengthen international cooperation.”
President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Vice-Rector of Üsküdar University, Head of the Department of Forensic Sciences, and Director of the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, Prof. Sevil Atasoy, appeared before the cameras at the press conference held at the United Nations Vienna International Centre (VIC). In her statement at the launch of the 2025 INCB Annual Report, she explained that the international drug control system continues to play a critical role in protecting public health.
Prof. Sevil Atasoy noted that in the 2025 Annual Report of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), the international drug control system continues to play a significant role in protecting public health, stating, 'However, the Board draws attention to serious challenges such as the rapid spread of synthetic drugs, particularly non-medical synthetic opioids, increasingly complex illicit manufacturing methods, and persistent inequalities in access to essential controlled medicines.'
Synthetic opioids are spreading rapidly!
Prof. Atasoy explained that the report emphasizes that ensuring adequate and uninterrupted access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes must be addressed concurrently with preventing their diversion into illicit channels. She stated, 'In this context, increasing access to affordable opioid analgesics is critically important, especially for low and middle-income countries.'
Medical access and prevention of abuse must be addressed together
Prof. Atasoy also mentioned that the INCB stated that the effective use of tools that strengthen information sharing and cooperation among governments yields concrete results. She added, 'The Board also states that increasing cooperation with the private sector plays a key role in preventing the use of the chemical industry, online platforms, and logistics services for illicit activities. The INCB calls on all countries to act together within the framework of international drug control conventions and to fulfill their shared responsibilities to protect the health and well-being of humanity.'
For the past 60 years, drug trafficking and abuse have been combated
Prof. Sevil Atasoy also stated that the report provides recommendations to governments and international organizations on how to improve the implementation of the three drug control conventions, adding, 'The Precursors Report summarizes the measures taken to prevent the diversion of chemicals and equipment into illicit drug manufacturing. International cooperation under drug control conventions continues to protect public health and welfare worldwide. For the past 60 years, while combating drug trafficking and abuse, ensuring the availability of essential medicines has been effectively carried out thanks to these conventions.'
INCB is committed to strengthening inter-country cooperation to overcome challenges
Prof. Atasoy also stated that the proliferation of synthetic drugs, lack of access for medical use, and disagreements among some states currently pose significant challenges, adding, 'The INCB is determined to strengthen inter-country cooperation to address these challenges. The diversion of controlled substances into illicit channels is at a very low level, which demonstrates the success of the international system.'
Prof. Atasoy also noted that the INCB ensures the continuity of trade and prevents illicit production by providing real-time data sharing systems for the shipment of chemical substances, and continued as follows: 'The INCB recommends that Governments maintain their commitment to the conventions and ensure access for medical use. Furthermore, international cooperation and information sharing in combating drug trafficking must be increased. Inequalities in access to opioid analgesics are a significant problem. Despite sufficient global production, access is limited, especially in low and middle-income countries. Similar problems persist regarding access to psychotropic substances. A holistic approach is required to improve this situation. Patients traveling internationally encounter complex regulations concerning controlled medicines.'
Drug trafficking is increasing in Africa
Prof. Atasoy also noted that cannabis production is increasing but regulatory gaps persist, stating, 'Drug trafficking is increasing in Africa. The production of synthetic drugs is spreading in Europe. South Asia leads in opioid consumption. Access to controlled substances for medical purposes must be increased. Governments should strengthen international cooperation.'
Prof. Atasoy concluded by stating that over 190 countries have cooperated through INCB systems in 2025, adding, 'The diversion of 3 tons of fentanyl precursors has been prevented. The INCB Learning program supports capacity building. The GRIDS program strengthens international cooperation.'
For the full launch of the 2025 INCB Annual Report
