Аннотация:
The illicit manufacture, use and trafficking of methamphetamine continues to pose a serious threat to peace, stability and public health in the countries of East and South-East Asia. As the illicit methamphetamine market continues to expand throughout the region, record amounts of the substance are being seized, especially in tablet form. Despite reports of record seizures of methamphetamine, only a small amount of the precursors needed for its illicit manufacture are seized in the region. Organized crime groups seem to be increasingly using unscheduled substitute chemicals to manufacture methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs. The Board stresses that there is a shortage of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in many countries of the region and emphasizes the importance of ensuring sufficient availability and accessibility of internationally controlled substances for medical use. a comprehensive overview of the global situation of controlled substances is provided in the Supplement to the INCB Annual Report 2022 «Leaving no patient behind: the status of ensuring sufficient availability of internationally controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes». The Board notes with concern reports indicating the continued use of the death penalty for drug-related offences, in several countries of the region.
During the reporting period, countries in South Asia seized large quantities of methamphetamine smuggled from Southeast Asia in tablet and crystal form. Countries in South Asia continue to report high levels of non-medical opioid use, with higher numbers of opioid users in this region than in any other region. The total amount of tramadol (not under international control) seized increased in 2020 compared to the previous year, with almost all seizures in the region occurring in India. The Board stresses that there is a shortage of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical use in the region and emphasizes the importance of ensuring sufficient availability and accessibility of internationally controlled substances for these purposes.
Afghanistan remains the world’s largest source of illicit opium, accounting for 86 per cent of global production of the drug in 2021. Afghan-produced opium continued to enter markets in neighboring countries and countries in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia, and to a lesser extent in North America and Oceania. Another major concern is the further significant increase in methamphetamine manufacture in Afghanistan, observed since 2012 and continuing into 2021. The Central Asian states continue to face serious challenges related to the growing consumption and illicit trafficking of psychotropic substances, including synthetic drugs, as well as new psychoactive substances. Western Asian countries also saw an increase in the use of postal and courier services, the Internet, social media and messaging platforms for the sale of illicit drugs. The Board notes with concern the shortage of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in most countries of West Asia and stresses the need to ensure that internationally controlled substances are adequately stocked and accessible for medical purposes.
Ключевые слова:
United Nations, International Narcotics Control Board report, 2022, analysis of the situation in the world, Azia.