International Day Against Drug Abuse: Russia Calls for Stronger Global Drug Control System

June 26 is observed as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The day was established in 1987 through United Nations General Assembly Resolution 42/112.

The annual World Drug Reports released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on this occasion have consistently pointed to a worsening global drug situation.

One of the most concerning current trends is the rapid spread of synthetic drugs worldwide. In this context, Russia said it proposed in March 2026 that the UN Secretary-General place four mephedrone-related precursors and one methadone-related precursor under international control. Russia believes that if implemented, the initiative would help protect the health and well-being of present and future generations.

According to Russia, countering the drug threat is a priority for its national security. The issue has also been placed among key priorities in the Strategy for the State Anti-Drug Policy of the Russian Federation until 2030.

Russia considers the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances and the 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances as a solid foundation for interstate cooperation in this field.

The Russian side has stressed the importance of strict adherence to these fundamental international instruments and opposed any attempt to weaken the existing drug control system. It argues that legislative proposals in some countries to lift bans on non-medical drug use or introduce state regulation of such use undermine public awareness of the risks of drug consumption and violate international conventions.

Russia has emphasized that addressing the global drug problem and effectively countering related challenges require constructive, depoliticized and practical cooperation among all stakeholders. It considers cooperation among law enforcement agencies particularly important.

Together with like-minded countries, Russia has advocated strengthening the current international drug control regime and building a society free from drug abuse. During the 69th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs held in Vienna from March 9 to 13, 2026, a joint statement initiated by Russia was endorsed by 43 countries.

Russia says it continues to fulfill its international obligations in good faith. Through project-based cooperation with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and other international organizations, donor assistance and training programmes, it says it has contributed to capacity-building in partner countries in Central Asia, Africa, Iran, Pakistan and other regions.

Russia has also drawn attention to the uneven global distribution of narcotic medicines for legitimate medical purposes. It says it has made a significant contribution to improving access to controlled substances for lawful medical use. Russia is the lead donor to the International Narcotics Control Board’s INCB Learning programme, which organizes academic and practical activities aimed at improving access to controlled medicines, enhancing the quality of national reporting to the Board and supporting the implementation of relevant conventions.

An INCB Learning training seminar is scheduled to be held in Moscow from June 29 to July 3 for Russian-speaking countries and from July 1 to 3 for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The programme will be organized with financial and organizational support from the Russian Federation. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky and State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Health Oleg Salagay are scheduled to attend the closing ceremony on July 3.

Russia has stated that it intends to continue expanding the practice of sharing expertise and providing technical assistance to partner countries to strengthen their counter-narcotics capacity. It also plans to broaden the geographical reach of future training sessions.