President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Prof. Sevil Atasoy, presented the INCB’s 2024 reports to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Prof. Atasoy highlighted the ongoing regional disparities in the consumption of opioid analgesics used in anesthesia and pain treatment, as well as various psychotropic substances used in the treatment of mental and neurological disorders and substance use disorders.
Vice Rector of Üsküdar University, Head of the Department of Forensic Sciences, and Director of the Graduate School of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, Prof. Sevil Atasoy, in her capacity as INCB President, submitted the Board’s 2024 reports to ECOSOC at the UN Headquarters in New York.
She addressed the thematic chapter on the rapid expansion of the illicit synthetic drug industry
The INCB's annual report reviews the functioning of the international drug control system and highlights key developments in drug control. Presenting the thematic chapter on the rapid expansion of the illicit synthetic drug industry, Prof. Atasoy emphasized INCB’s efforts through precursor control and its GRIDS programs in 2024 to reduce the significant global threat to public health.
In this context, she noted that millions of liters and hundreds of thousands of tons of licensed shipments of precursor chemicals used in the production of drugs such as fentanyl and amphetamines were monitored. Additionally, 2,600 tons and 500,000 liters of chemicals were prevented from being diverted to illicit production. Through the GRIDS Program, approximately 25,000 incidents involving new psychoactive substances in 160 countries were processed, and 45 operational events were organized.
Efforts to ensure the supply of narcotic drugs for medical and scientific purposes
Prof. Atasoy also explained INCB’s work to ensure the availability of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes. She highlighted that in 2024, INCB reviewed, approved, or established more than 4,000 estimates for over 1,500 tons of narcotic drugs used in anesthesia, pain management, and opioid agonist treatment. Moreover, more than 4,500 annual assessments and changes were processed for over 2,500 tons of psychotropic substances used in the treatment of neurological and mental health conditions and in opioid agonist therapy.
Disparities in the consumption of medicines used in anesthesia and pain treatment were emphasized
Prof. Atasoy once again drew attention to the ongoing regional disparities in the consumption of opioid analgesics for anesthesia and pain treatment, as well as various psychotropic substances used for treating mental and neurological disorders and substance use disorders.
She also pointed out another critical issue presented to the Council by the INCB: the availability of controlled substances for the treatment of opioid use disorder. “Only about 10% of individuals with opioid use disorder have access to opioid agonist therapy. In some countries with high prevalence of people who inject drugs, access to methadone, buprenorphine, and opioid agonist treatment services remains limited or even nonexistent,” she said.
"Access to internationally controlled substances in humanitarian emergencies is essential"
In her presentation, Prof. Atasoy stressed the following: “Ensuring access to internationally controlled substances in humanitarian emergencies, including those caused by armed conflict, is essential. The conventions provide for expedited movement of such substances in emergencies, and INCB urges countries to fully utilize these provisions.”
Highlighting the tangible successes achieved in collaboration with Member States, Prof. Atasoy described the drug control mechanisms as “strong examples of multilateralism in action and of the conventions being translated into action for the benefit of all.”
She concluded by stating that these efforts depend on sustained resources, noting that the ongoing liquidity crisis in the United Nations’ regular budget has already affected INCB’s operations, such as the postponement of critical country missions.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)