synthetic drugs

NEW Security Document Examination module in the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs

Toolkit

UNODC has launched a new Security Document Examination module within the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs, developed in collaboration with the UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Services. The module aims to help law enforcement, border control...

EU controls nine drug precursors following first EUDA assessments

News

29 April 2026

The European Commission has introduced new controls on nine high-risk chemical precursors used in illicit drug production under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/314. Most of these substances are linked to synthetic cathinones, while one is...

Playing legislative catch-up: Drug law reform in the Pacific

Website

13 April 2026

Drug trafficking in the Pacific is rapidly expanding, shifting countries from transit points to consumer and production markets. However, many national laws remain outdated, as they were designed for earlier challenges like cannabis and are...

UNODC and CILAD Advance Synthetic Drug Strategy in Côte d’Ivoire

West Africa is witnessing a rapid shift from plant-based drugs to synthetic substances, including the non-medical use of tramadol, as well as fentanyl and emerging drug mixtures that remain difficult to identify and analyse. This evolving landscape is having a particularly significant impact on young people.

Tussi (“Pink Cocaine”) in Medellín: Availability, Delivery Methods, and Overdose Risks

Report

19 January 2026

This field brief presents harm reduction education tools and real-world overdose response guidance related to Tussi (“pink cocaine”) in Medellín, Colombia. It includes infographics on overdose signs, legal consequences, and price–risk misconceptions — suitable for outreach, treatment providers, and public health education.

Perceptions of Law Enforcement Personnel and Public Health Professionals on Synthetic Drug Use in Nigeria

Scientific article

BACKGROUND: Nigeria is one of the countries in the world severely impacted by synthetic drug production and use, yet lacks fundamental understanding of the synthetic drug market, how many people use, and how much they use. AIMS: The aims of...

ISSUP Côte d’Ivoire Participates in First Regional Consultation on Synthetic Drugs in West Africa

ISSUP Côte d’Ivoire, hosted by the Comité Interministériel de Lutte Anti-Drogue (CILAD) participated in the First Regional Consultation Meeting on Synthetic Drugs in West Africa, held at the Vienna International Centre from 27–28 November 2025.

The ICD, a government agency under the supervision of the Ministry in charge of Security, serves as the national coordinator for drug use reduction and is the institutional host of ISSUP Côte d’Ivoire.

The Global SMART Programme — A Strategic Response to the Synthetic Drug Problem, United Nations, New York

Leaflet, Infographic, Fact sheet, Poster

The global market for synthetic drugs has grown rapidly in recent years, with amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) and new psychoactive substances (NPS) becoming a significant concern worldwide. ATS, which include amphetamine, methamphetamine...

The Global SMART Programme — A Strategic Response to the Synthetic Drug Problem, United Nations, New York

UNODC (2014a), Global SMART Update

Report

13 March 2015

The rapid rise of synthetic drugs has become one of the world’s most pressing drug-related challenges. After cannabis, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are the most widely used drugs globally, now surpassing cocaine and heroin. Alongside...

UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs

Toolkit

1 December 2024

The 2024 Feedback Survey gathered valuable insights from users of the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs. Running from January to December 2024, it assessed user experiences, explored how Toolkit resources are applied, and identified areas for...