第67会期麻薬委員会（CND）：議題5：国際麻薬条約の履行におけるステートメント（菊地信之公使参事官）（英語）
令和6年12月13日
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
(Introduction)
Last November’s thematic discussions underscored the profound challenges we face in combating illicit drugs. We heard repeated calls for a coordinated and proactive response- one that makes full use of global expertise. Japan is deeply grateful for organizations like UNODC, WHO, and INCB whose essential work is guiding us through this global crisis.
(Concerns Over the Global Expansion of Synthetic Drugs)
Japan is deeply concerned about the rapid spread of synthetic drugs, especially methamphetamines. Between 2017 and 2022, global methamphetamine seizures doubled, underscoring the urgency to address this escalating problem. In Southeast Asia, production has spread beyond the Golden Triangle to hidden sites in neighboring countries, complicating detection, and enforcement. Criminal networks pushing synthetic drugs now operate like legitimate businesses using AI and parallel banking systems to fuel their activities. The scale and sophistication of these operations will inevitably have a global impact, driving increased illicit drug availability, public health crises, and financial crime.
(The Need for a Coordinated International Response)
In an increasingly interconnected world, the current situation demands a coordinated, multilateral response. Frameworks like the UNODC’s information-sharing platforms and the US-led Global Coalition are valuable tools for pooling resources and sharing intelligence. Japan is fully committed to these partnerships and will continue to support INCB and UNODC programs, recognizing that meaningful progress in addressing this crisis hinges on global cooperation.
(Accelerating Scheduling Processes/Call for proactive measures)
Moreover, Japan acknowledges that our traditional, reactive responses have often been costly, slow, and ineffective. To make meaningful progress, it is important to move toward proactive strategies that stay one step ahead of criminals. We must consider innovative and nontraditional approaches, ones that are as sophisticated, if not more so, than those of criminal networks.
To adapt to this every changing crisis, scheduling is key. Accelerated scheduling processes are vital and Japan strongly supports INCB’s approach, especially their push to regulate chemically similar precursor substances, as discussed at the last CND session. It’s a smart approach that effectively disrupts the production cycle of synthetic drugs and provides a practical solution to these emerging threats.
While we understand concerns about how this aligns with specific criteria in the 1988 Convention criteria, the magnitude of the threat we face calls for flexibility, while still respecting our treaty obligations. Japan urges stronger collaboration between the UNODC and INCB to ensure our measures are both effective and legally sound.
Mr. Chair,
As we near the close of this year, let us reflect on the lessons learned from past experiences. Let us embrace flexibility, innovation, and collaboration as we strive to safeguard public health and safety from the rapid increase of synthetic drugs.
Thank you.
(Introduction)
Last November’s thematic discussions underscored the profound challenges we face in combating illicit drugs. We heard repeated calls for a coordinated and proactive response- one that makes full use of global expertise. Japan is deeply grateful for organizations like UNODC, WHO, and INCB whose essential work is guiding us through this global crisis.
(Concerns Over the Global Expansion of Synthetic Drugs)
Japan is deeply concerned about the rapid spread of synthetic drugs, especially methamphetamines. Between 2017 and 2022, global methamphetamine seizures doubled, underscoring the urgency to address this escalating problem. In Southeast Asia, production has spread beyond the Golden Triangle to hidden sites in neighboring countries, complicating detection, and enforcement. Criminal networks pushing synthetic drugs now operate like legitimate businesses using AI and parallel banking systems to fuel their activities. The scale and sophistication of these operations will inevitably have a global impact, driving increased illicit drug availability, public health crises, and financial crime.
(The Need for a Coordinated International Response)
In an increasingly interconnected world, the current situation demands a coordinated, multilateral response. Frameworks like the UNODC’s information-sharing platforms and the US-led Global Coalition are valuable tools for pooling resources and sharing intelligence. Japan is fully committed to these partnerships and will continue to support INCB and UNODC programs, recognizing that meaningful progress in addressing this crisis hinges on global cooperation.
(Accelerating Scheduling Processes/Call for proactive measures)
Moreover, Japan acknowledges that our traditional, reactive responses have often been costly, slow, and ineffective. To make meaningful progress, it is important to move toward proactive strategies that stay one step ahead of criminals. We must consider innovative and nontraditional approaches, ones that are as sophisticated, if not more so, than those of criminal networks.
To adapt to this every changing crisis, scheduling is key. Accelerated scheduling processes are vital and Japan strongly supports INCB’s approach, especially their push to regulate chemically similar precursor substances, as discussed at the last CND session. It’s a smart approach that effectively disrupts the production cycle of synthetic drugs and provides a practical solution to these emerging threats.
While we understand concerns about how this aligns with specific criteria in the 1988 Convention criteria, the magnitude of the threat we face calls for flexibility, while still respecting our treaty obligations. Japan urges stronger collaboration between the UNODC and INCB to ensure our measures are both effective and legally sound.
Mr. Chair,
As we near the close of this year, let us reflect on the lessons learned from past experiences. Let us embrace flexibility, innovation, and collaboration as we strive to safeguard public health and safety from the rapid increase of synthetic drugs.
Thank you.