South Asia: Synthetic drug use soars worldwide as South Asia grapples with opiate challenge, INCB report warns

New Delhi, India/25 March 2025: An estimated 60 million people worldwide used opioids for non-medical purposes in 2022--accounting for about 1.2 percent of the global population--according to the latest report by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). Alarmingly, nearly half of them live in South Asia and South-West Asia, where the consumption of opiates—particularly opium and heroin—remains a significant concern.

The report underscores the dual challenge faced by South Asia: while the region continues to grapple with widespread opiate use as well as threats from a global surge in synthetic drug trafficking. The first quarter of 2024 saw a marked increase in drug trafficking incidents across South Asia compared to late 2023, with major seizures of amphetamine-type stimulants pointing to evolving trafficking patterns. Methamphetamine seizures in the region—particularly in Bangladesh and India—surged from 7.2 tons in 2013 to 20.4 tons in 2022.

Sharing the findings of the 2024 INCB Annual Report and Precursors Report at a virtual presentation hosted by UNODC, Ms. Jagjit Pavadia, Member of INCB and Vice Chair of the Standing Committee on Estimates, said, “Seizures of synthetic drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, may soon outpace those of traditional plant-based narcotics, signaling a shift in the global drug trade. Synthetic substances are not only more potent and addictive but also easier to manufacture and traffic, making them a growing threat.”

Unlike plant-based drugs that require large-scale cultivation, synthetic drugs can be manufactured in small, concealed labs with minimal expertise. This allows traffickers to quickly adapt, shifting locations and modifying chemical compositions to evade detection. The potency of these substances, coupled with new trafficking tactics such as drone deliveries and smaller, easily concealable shipments, is making law enforcement efforts increasingly complex.

Mr. Abhai Kumar Srivastav, Director General, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), said, “There is a stark rise in the seizures of methamphetamine. In the current financial year until February, we have seized 216 kg of methamphetamine. In the last financial year, DRI seized 108 kg cocaine, 50 kg heroine and 7,400 kg of cannabis. Drug use and trafficking also impact national security and sovereignty. Coordinated efforts of all stakeholders, government bodies, international organisations, coupled with support and outreach activities are required.”

South Asia also remains a crucial transit hub for illicit opiates and methamphetamine smuggled from Afghanistan to Europe and North America, with maritime trafficking routes exposing coastal nations—Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—to escalating threats. India has reported an intensification of opiate trafficking from Afghanistan, moving eastward along the southern route. The region continues to see large seizures of heroin and morphine, with law enforcement agencies struggling to curb the increasing sophistication of organized criminal groups.

Mr. Vineet Vinayak, Additional Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), said, "The rise of digital tech has provided us with unprecedented opportunities to enhance coordination, efficiency and intelligence sharing among various stakeholders. Recognizing this potential, the Government of India has developed a range of digital platforms such as NIDAAN, ICJS, NATGRID, Manas etc. to strengthen drug law enforcement. We remain a strong advocate for strengthening international cooperation to address psychoactive substances and fentanyl analogs.”

The report also highlights the growing role of precursor chemicals in illicit drug production. INCB stressed that closer collaboration with the private sector is essential to prevent the diversion of chemicals used in manufacturing synthetic drugs.

Mr. Naval Kishore Ram, Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue, said, “India is one of the biggest pharmaceutical producers. We supply drugs for medical purposes to over 195 countries. We are also a major producer and exporter of precursors chemicals. There is a need for stringent prohibitive measures to prevent diversion of precursor chemicals, leveraging technology and robust monitoring systems. The INCB’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the challenges we face, and India reaffirms its commitment to strengthening international cooperation on this issue.”

Even as illicit drug markets expand, the region continues to record the world’s lowest levels of licit opioid analgesic consumption, raising concerns about the accessibility of essential pain medications. The INCB has urged opioid-manufacturing nations to increase production to ensure these essential medicines are more accessible, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Dr. Anju Dhawan, Professor and Chief of the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre at AIIMS, said, " The INCB’s findings are highly relevant from a medical perspective as well. The use of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS) is linked to high-risk behaviors, including unsafe sexual practices, and is associated with mental health issues. Efforts must be intensified to ensure development of interventions that are effective, with a particular focus on early intervention strategies.”

The urgency of addressing the issue is clear—without immediate and coordinated action, the synthetic drug crisis threatens to escalate further, endangering lives and destabilizing communities worldwide.

Dr. Suruchi Pant, UNODC’s Deputy Representative for South Asia said, “The global drug problem affects us all and demands a united response. As synthetic drugs evolve, trafficking networks adapt, and drug-related crimes intersect with other forms of organized crime, we must strengthen our commitment, invest in effective solutions, and ensure that help reaches those who need it most.”

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