The United States has issued a statement addressing the challenges posed by synthetic drugs and their precursor chemicals at the 68th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna, Austria. U.S. Representative Christine Cline highlighted the urgency of combating the rapid spread of these substances, which are often more potent and lethal than natural drugs.
"The most pressing international challenge to drug control remains the rapid spread of synthetic drugs and the precursor chemicals used to illicitly manufacture them," said Cline. She emphasized that criminals exploit synthetic chemistry to create numerous new drugs not yet under control, making it crucial for the CND to prioritize staying ahead of these developments.
The U.S. advocates for increased use of effective tools such as rapid temporary national scheduling procedures and class-wide scheduling laws to hinder criminal activities. Additionally, Cline acknowledged the International Narcotics Control Board's proactive approach last year in recommending control over a group of related chemical precursors.
"We look forward to studying the effects of this approach at the national level, and we encourage the Board to continue leveraging innovative initiatives like this," she stated.
Cline also expressed appreciation for this year's thematic chapter of the Board's annual report focusing on global synthetic drug challenges. She urged continued prioritization of efforts to assist countries in addressing these threats through programs that enable real-time communication between law enforcement officers worldwide.
Finally, Cline underscored that while disrupting drug trafficking is vital, it should not interfere with ensuring adequate access to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes: "State Party efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and diversion should not conflict with the need to ensure adequate access and availability."