International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) President Prof. Dr. Atasoy called, “Governments must allocate adequate resources to drug prevention and health services, implement international drug control conventions fairly and proportionally, and prioritize social reintegration over punishment.”
Prof. Dr. Atasoy stated that the next decade will bring new and complex challenges in the fight against drugs, adding that criminal networks will increasingly use artificial intelligence to optimize drug production, avoid detection, and personalize marketing strategies.
Prof. Dr. Atasoy made a plea for compassion, especially for people who use drugs, saying, “Stigmatization and discrimination continue to be the biggest barriers to seeking help. Addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failure.”
Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Vice-Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi, Head of the Forensic Sciences Department, and Director of the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, shared a critical message addressed to governments, civil society, and the international community on the occasion of June 26, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
This year's theme is 'Evidence-Based Solutions for a Healthier Future'
In her message to the public, governments, civil society, and the international community, Prof. Dr. Atasoy drew attention to both the emerging drug-related challenges of the next decade and the values that should guide the global response.
Prof. Dr. Atasoy said, “This year's theme for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is 'Evidence-Based Solutions for a Healthier Future.' This call to action reminds us that drug control policies must be based on science, informed by human rights, and guided by global solidarity. This year's International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking calls for investment in prevention areas that form the cornerstones of sustainable resilience, such as justice, education, health services, and alternative livelihoods.”
Future Threats; Artificial Intelligence, Cryptocurrencies, and Synthetic Drugs
Prof. Dr. Atasoy stated that the next decade will bring new and complex challenges in the fight against drugs, listing five key threats closely monitored by INCB:
“Rise of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): The speed at which synthetic opioids like nitazenes and synthetic cannabinoids are developed and marketed is outpacing existing legal mechanisms. This situation is one of the most urgent concerns for the global community.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Drug Trafficking: Criminal networks will increasingly use artificial intelligence to optimize drug production, avoid detection, and personalize marketing strategies. Virtual reality markets and AI-designed chemical formulas are no longer speculative but emerging realities.
Digital Markets and Cryptocurrencies: Darknet markets have matured, and social media and messaging applications are being used for drug distribution. Cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance (DeFi) have become preferred tools for money laundering, hindering investigations.
Climate Change and Illicit Cultivation: Changing weather patterns are altering the geography of drug production. Climate-induced poverty and displacement can make vulnerable populations dependent on illicit drug economies.
Organized Crime and Global Instability: In regions plagued by instability, organized crime networks are escalating drug production and trafficking on an unprecedented scale. This fuels violence and erodes institutions.”
No one should be left behind!
Stating that INCB calls on every individual to recognize that drug use is not merely a criminal justice issue but fundamentally a health, development, and human rights issue, Prof. Dr. Atasoy said, “The most important message we convey today is this: No one should be left behind. Prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation must be accessible, non-discriminatory, and respectful of human dignity.”
Avoid Stigmatizing Language
Prof. Dr. Atasoy articulated INCB's calls as follows:
“Governments must allocate adequate resources to drug prevention and health services, implement international drug control conventions fairly and proportionally, and prioritize social reintegration over punishment.
Communities and families should foster environments of support and open communication, especially with young people who are increasingly exposed to drugs through digital platforms.
The private sector, including technology and pharmaceutical companies, must act responsibly by strengthening online monitoring mechanisms and preventing the diversion of substances from legal supply chains.
Media organizations should refrain from sensationalism and stigmatizing language, and instead raise awareness with balanced, evidence-based reporting.
A Call for Compassion for People Who Use Drugs…
Educators and health professionals must equip individuals with accurate information and practical tools to build resilience against drug use.
We call for compassion, especially for people who use drugs. Stigmatization and discrimination continue to be the biggest barriers to seeking help. Addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failure. Empathy and science must guide our policies and attitudes.”
Protecting the Global Drug Control System
Reiterating the importance of the three international drug control conventions, Prof. Dr. Atasoy emphasized that the multilateral framework remains indispensable in protecting global health and well-being. Prof. Dr. Atasoy warned, “For over 60 years, the international control system has helped ensure access to medicines while combating diversion and abuse. In today's fragmented world, abandoning this framework will empower criminal actors and jeopardize public health.”
Let's Renew Our Collective Commitment!
Noting that in the coming years, the global drug problem will become more multidimensional, more technological, and more intertwined with other global crises such as climate change, migration, inequality, and conflict, Prof. Dr. Atasoy concluded, “No country can face this alone. INCB is committed to working with all stakeholders to build a healthier, safer, and more just world. We will continue to provide objective, science-based guidance and foster dialogue among governments, international organizations, and civil society. Let us renew our collective commitment. Let us act with compassion, courage, and cooperation. Let us stand together in our pledge to protect the health and well-being of humanity.”