Int’l Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking being marked

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed globally on June 26, offering a platform to address the persistent and changing impact of the world drug problem. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlights the need for innovative, evidence-based responses.

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Global drug use and the number of drugs on the market have been increasing in the past decades.

The UN General Assembly established this day in 1987 to reinforce global efforts toward a society free from drug abuse. However, recent decades have seen a rise in global drug use and an expansion of available illicit substances. The market is shifting, with synthetic opioids challenging heroin's long-standing dominance. Cocaine production, seizures, and use are also increasing, while synthetic drugs pose a growing threat due to their low manufacturing costs and reduced risk of detection.

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Changes in the illegal supply of opioids are increasingly challenging the century-long dominance of heroin in illicit global opioid markets.

Drug trafficking networks are actively employing technological advancements to target new demographics and ensure wider distribution, bolstering their multi-billion dollar operations. These organizations continuously adapt, exploiting any weaknesses in governance and regulation. In response, this year's campaign emphasizes collaborative efforts between international bodies, national governments, civil society, and the public to develop novel strategies for reducing both the demand for and supply of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating associated threats.

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Production, seizures and use of cocaine continue to rise, while low costs of manufacture and reduced risks of detection of synthetic drugs are contributing to their increase in illicit drug markets.