United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Liaison and Partnership Office (LPO) in Brazil

MEDIA ADVISORY

UNODC presents the 2011 International Narcotics Control Board Report

24 February 2012 - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will launch the 2011 Report of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) on coming Tuesday, 28 February. The Report, to be launched globally, provides an overview of progresses and setbacks in the production, trafficking and consumption of illicit drugs, as well as drug abuse, all around the world.

This year, when the first international convention on drugs control - the 1912 Opium Convention - celebrates 100 years, the thematic chapter of the report addresses the links between social exclusion, marginalized communities and drug abuse and the risks of the establishment of a vicious cycle involving a wide array of social problems relating to violence, organized crime, corruption, unemployment, poor health and poor education.

The report also points out to the increasing use of social medias by illegal Internet pharmacies to sell illicit drugs and prescription medicines online, targeting young audiences. The report also emphasizes the use of "designer" chemicals for the illicit manufacture of amphetamine-type stimulants and draws attention to the increasing misuse of prescription drugs.

In Brazil, the report will be launched during a press conference, on 28 February, at 10.00 am, at the UNDP headquarters in Brasília (EQSW 103/104 Lote 1 Bloco D - Sudeoeste) - room Sérgio Vieira de Mello.

In Paraguay, the report will also be launched during a press conference, on 28 February, at 11.00 am, at the UN House in Asunción (Mariscal López y Sarví).

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) is the independent monitoring body for the implementation of the United Nations international drug control conventions.

INCB cooperates with governments to ensure that adequate supplies of drugs are available for medical and scientific uses and that the diversion of drugs from licit sources to illicit channels does not occur.

Service:

Launching of the INCB (International Narcotics Control Board) Report 2011

Date: 28 February 2012

BRASIL

Time: 10.00 am

Site: UNDP Headquarters in Brasília (EQSW 103/104 Lote 1 Bloco D - Sudoeste) - room Sérgio Vieira de Mello

Contact for press:

Andrea Catta Preta - UNODC Communication Unit

Tel. (+55 61) 3204 7206 / 8118 0910 email: andrea.cattapreta@unodc.org

PARAGUAY

Time: 11.00 am

Site: UN House in Asunción (Mariscal López y Sarví)