UNODC · our professional and personal lives, and the United Nations Models are no exception. As SGA of the United Nations for MUNEXT 2019, I want you to be inspired and passionate

UNODC

STUDY GUIDE

Synthetic Drugs: A global problem.

MUNEXT2019

1. PRESENTATION

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Welcome everyone to MUNEXT 2019 and Welcome to the Externado University. Our house

of studies opens the doors to each one of you with the purpose that your energy, strength,

knowledge, opinions and your arguments have space in this home of free thinkers.

My name is Lizeth Andrea Lara, I am 20 years old, I am currently going to a ninth semester

of Government and International Relations with emphasis in Public Management, and for me

it is a privilege and a pride to be the academic director of MUNEXT 2019.

When I was at school this type of events inspired me; I loved to spend four days of a

weekend -which I could perfectly use to rest- trying to be a better version of myself and I

believe that this conviction was what led me to challenge myself to be part of the design of

a new version of the United Nations Model of the Externado University of Colombia.

MUNEXT 2019 is an opportunity to challenge yourself, to discover what you are capable of

and how far you can go with your opinions and arguments. This is a model that without a

doubt is designed for you to give #AStepToTheFuture in every sense, in your being and your

what to do. I invite you to let yourselves go, enjoy this enriching and academic space; and

that beyond to achieve the prize, I want to encourage you to be a better person than the

one that started the first day.

Welcome!

And I hope you are ready to give #AStepToTheFuture

Hello dear delegates,

My name is Paula Alejandra Carranza Lopez, I am 23 years old and I am about to graduate from the Faculty of Government and International Relations of the Externado University. It is a pleasure for me to be part of this project, which at the same time is a dream for many people, called MUNEXT 2019.

I would like to start this letter with a quote from my favorite artist, "Life is a play that does not allow rehearsals; that's why he sings, laughs, dances, cries and lives intensely every moment of your life ... before the curtain goes down and the work ends without applause "Charles Chaplin. It is not a secret that all the projects we build as students directly impact our professional and personal lives, and the United Nations Models are no exception.

As SGA of the United Nations for MUNEXT 2019, I want you to be inspired and passionate about this project, just as I have done for a whole year. I want you to bear in mind that the United Nations Models are not only a competition, but also the space where you can grow academically and professionally, you can make unforgettable friendships, grow as people and human beings.

The committees of which they will be part were built with the aim of challenging them and bringing them a little closer to the reality of the functioning of the anarchic international system, therefore, it must be an exercise with the greatest seriousness and academics possible. They will have a great academic staff and exceptional logistics, which are at your disposal.

I would like all your preparation and intervention within MUNEXT 2019 to be of the highest academic quality, that you can exploit all your knowledge and skills, which in the end, is what leads to the resounding success of a project like these. Not being more I hope you have an incredible experience, so during those 4 days I hope you laugh, dance, sing and live before this curtain goes down.

Cordially,

Paula Alejandra Carranza LopezSGA for the United Nations MUNEXT [email protected]

MESSAGE FROM THE UNDERSECRETARY

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Dear delegates, It is a great pleasure for us to welcome you to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in this version of MUNEXT. In this committee you will have the opportunity to discuss one of the most conjunctural and challenging topics that afflict Latin America nowadays: States’ responsibility on synthetic drug trafficking. But first, a brief introduction to your DAIS: Greetings, delegates! My name is Manuela Chocontá and I am an International Relations student at Universidad del Rosario. Ever since I started college, I have developed special interest in political theory, more specially in how regimes are built and the relation between what is and what ought to be. Some of my biggest avocations in life are debating, redacting texts, reading and, of course, binge-watching series. But, above all, the thing that passionates me the most is studying how the international system works, its actors and its complexity. I consider myself as a constructivist: I strongly believe that politics and global affairs are nothing but the result of social structures, and they could easily change if we all cooperate. Therefore, I’m an enthusiast in our capability of changing the world with both small and big actions and that’s exactly what I expect in the committee. MUN is the perfect scenario to prove yourself that every action counts, even if it is small, and MUNEXT 2019 will be no exception. Every speech you give, every proposal you bring to the debate: it all matters. Every step you take in MUNEXT 19’ will count, because it is #AStepToTheFuture. I look forward to meeting you all soon, and, please, do not hesitate to ask me anything you want by any means. Welcome!

Delegates, I would like to welcome you to UNODC. My name is Andrés Carmona and I currently study law at Universidad de los Andes. I have always been interested in the practical components of states; namely efficiency and transparency. By definition, states provide a variety of services to their citizens; more often than not, the difference between developed and developing countries is the efficiency and transparency in which these services are provided. I hope you keep this in mind throughout the model, as your main task will be to address the problem of synthetic drugs through state strengthening. We highly encourage you to read this guide thoroughly; it summarizes the main issues to be treated within the three days of the conference. We also invite you to check the complementary bibliography, however, you should also do your own research to prepare for the model. Finally, the usage of the interconnection at MUNEXT will also be essential for a dynamic and more consistent committee. Once again, welcome to UNODC, and, please, enjoy this experience. We certainly know we will.

Best regards,

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Andrés Carmona [email protected]

Manuela Chocontá [email protected]

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The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is the Organization’s main organ in the fight against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism. This fighting does not limit to an internal one: after the Millennium Declaration, it was decided to strengthen transnational dimensions of those issues. Therefore, UNODC works in every region of the world by means of field offices with a cooperative approach between States. In short, its mission is to seek and support security and stability within States, integrating and mainstreaming gender equality.

Its work mandate relies on three main pillars: 1. Assist Member States and enhance their capacity to counteract illicit drugs, crime and terrorism by means of technical cooperation projects.

2. Base its policy and operational decisions on a fully analytical research work on drugs and crime issues.

3.Normative work for States for the ratification and implementation of international treaties, as well as legislative internal regulation on drugs, crime and terrorism.

The Office strongly relies on voluntary contributions, mostly from States, to sustain and accomplish its mandatee. Among its many actions, the UNODC daily educates people on the dangers of drug usage, organized crime and terrorist groups. It promotes transparency within political parties and governmental entities, security and justice. (UNODC, 2018)

HISTORIA DEL COMITÉ

2. ABOUT THE COMMITTEE

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COMMITTEE’S HISTORY

ABOUT THE COMMITTEE

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ABOUT THE COMMITTEE

1997

The United NationsInternational Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention merge and form the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention (UNODCCP).

1998The United NationsGeneral Assembly meets to strenghten Member State’s Efforts to reduce demand and supply of drugs.

2000

The UNODCCP reorganizes and adopts the current name: UNODC.

2003The United NationsConvention against Transnational Organized Crime comes into force, same year that the United Nations Convention against Corruption is adopted.

2009

States Parties to the Convention against Corruption move to stablish a Review Mechanism of the convention, managed by UNODC.

2013The UNODC develops its paper ‘Accounting for Security and Justice in the Post-2015 Development Agenda’ within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).

2015-2018

The UNODC operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices.

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UNODC, as any other UN Committee, currently operates for the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). That means that gender equality and safe environmental conditions are on the top line for any operation of the Office. Moreover, its operational work is fully underpinned by the United Nations’ conventions and their related protocols, such as the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988. (UNODC, 2018)

Regarding synthetic drugs, UNODC first addressed the issue as Amphetamine-type stimulants given its provenance, as it is stated in the World Drug Report 2000, and it has been treated ever since. In September of 2008, the Office released a report warning that the usage of this particular type of drugs is increasing in developing countries, such as the Gulf ones. The report addressed the issue to lack of will (some counties were in denial and did not even report the issue), as well as lack of information and resources. Finally, what the report recommends, is the imperative application of the SMART programme (Synthetics Monitoring: Analyses, Reporting and Trends). (UNODC, 2008)

On the immediate next year, UNODC’s Global SMART update warned that organized crime had grown in West Africa at a point where the region was on the verge of not only being a transit area but becoming a source of drugs as well. Five years later, the Global Evaluation of Synthetic Drugs 2014 was presented, and the panorama was not getting any better. The report stated that synthetic drug market had been vigorously increasing since 2012, and the 55% of the annual seizure of amphetamine

corresponded to Middle East. (UNODC, 2014)The World Drug Report 2018 addresses a specific section to synthetic drugs. In this part, the report states that the global number of users of ‘ecstasy’ is 20.6 million, and the users of amphetamine and prescription stimulants is 34.2 million. This means that there was a significant increase in the quantity of amphetamine-type stimulants seized globally, as well as methamphetamine and crystalline methamphetamine. (UNODC, 2018) In summary, synthetic drugs are a growing issue that respond to the classic principle of economy: supply and demand. Any possible solution must address a way to stop both.

ABOUT THE COMMITEE

2. ABOUT THE COMMITEE

PROCEDURE

COMMITTEE’S CONTEXT

UNODC will function under the traditional procedure stated in the current version of MUNEXT’s Handbook. Thus, the usage of interconnection is strongly recommended, as the nature of the Committee demands other approaches and it its within its mandate to advise other UN organisms (for instance, the Security Council). Delegates will have to send Position Paper due to, at maximum, the week before the Model starts that’s mean the 07 February of 2019.

COMMITTEE’S EXPECTATIONAmong many of the reasons why drug trafficking -especially synthetic-related one- is still happening in the world, one may be strongly addressed: States’ weakness on public policies on both strengthening its fight against crime and accomplishing international accords. As it has been stablished previously, UNODC’s main mandate is to assist and support States in the enhancing of its capacity to combat issues such as illicit drugs. Therefore, it will be up to you, delegates, to find any mechanism -existent or created- to accomplish the Committee’s mission when addressing the synthetic drug traffic.

As your DAIS, we strongly recommend your follow thoroughly UNODC’s mandate as well as its competences, given that treating such a structural topic may lead you to get out of scope. Thus, the final document you present must be the result of exhaustive research, critic debates and cooperation during the sessions. Remember, delegates, that the final resolution that you present has to lack of any coercive value, as it is not within the Committee’s competences to force States into accomplishing its resolutions.



On the immediate next year, UNODC’s Global SMART update warned that organized crime had grown in West Africa at a point where the region was on the verge of not only being a transit area but becoming a source of drugs as well. Five years later, the Global Evaluation of Synthetic Drugs 2014 was presented, and the panorama was not getting any better. The report stated that synthetic drug market had been vigorously increasing since 2012, and the 55% of the annual seizure of amphetamine

corresponded to Middle East. (UNODC, 2014)The World Drug Report 2018 addresses a specific section to synthetic drugs. In this part, the report states that the global number of users of ‘ecstasy’ is 20.6 million, and the users of amphetamine and prescription stimulants is 34.2 million. This means that there was a significant increase in the quantity of amphetamine-type stimulants seized globally, as well as methamphetamine and crystalline methamphetamine. (UNODC, 2018) In summary, synthetic drugs are a growing issue that respond to the classic principle of economy: supply and demand. Any possible solution must address a way to stop both.

ABOUT THE COMMITEE

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Psychoactive substances are one of the most relevant factors in the international scene and have been for centuries: one only needs to look at the effects of the opium war between Great Britain and China to notice their far-reaching historical significance. Annoyingly, however, historians and policy-makers (on all sides of the political spectrum) have often taken very one-dimensional approaches to the drug problem. The dominating paradigms regarding drugs are plain for all to see and are not worth repeating. In any case, it is painfully obvious that there is a problem to be addressed, and ideologies alone will get us nowhere.

It is through organizations like the UNODC where realistic, far-reaching decisions regard-ing drugs can be taken. Drug policy is espe-cially vulnerable to the typical political postur-ing undertaken by candidates who will then go on to become elected officials. However, very rarely does demagogy and populism permeate delegations sent to the United Nations. This is why sensible, honest debate can take place, and why organizations like the UNODC often reach what is considered to be the holy grail in policy-making: solutions.

Latin-America is one of the most affected regions in the world by drug trafficking. Most of criminal bands, guerrillas and cartels raise their funding by illegal drug operations, causing violence and a non-stopping conjunc-tural issue where current States’ responses have not been enough. Any effort in fighting against criminality at any dimension has to take drug trafficking as a primary topic to be addressed, as it is its base and way of survival. For the above, the Committee’s relevance at this version of MUNEXT relies on the necessi-ty to solve the drug issue in order to address any other criminal forms.

When you step in as UNODC delegates, your task will be to make the committee relevant through serious, studied discussion of policies both internal (within States) and external (within the International System). Remember: there is no country that has not, at some point in time, been troubled by drugs. The decisions undertaken by the committee will directly affect you, the government you represent, and your countrymen. Be sincere, be studious, and be very serious.

Among many of the reasons why drug trafficking -especially synthetic-related one- is still happening in the world, one may be strongly addressed: States’ weakness on public policies on both strengthening its fight against crime and accomplishing international accords. As it has been stablished previously, UNODC’s main mandate is to assist and support States in the enhancing of its capacity to combat issues such as illicit drugs. Therefore, it will be up to you, delegates, to find any mechanism -existent or created- to accomplish the Committee’s mission when addressing the synthetic drug traffic.

As your DAIS, we strongly recommend your follow thoroughly UNODC’s mandate as well as its competences, given that treating such a structural topic may lead you to get out of scope. Thus, the final document you present must be the result of exhaustive research, critic debates and cooperation during the sessions. Remember, delegates, that the final resolution that you present has to lack of any coercive value, as it is not within the Committee’s competences to force States into accomplishing its resolutions.



On the immediate next year, UNODC’s Global SMART update warned that organized crime had grown in West Africa at a point where the region was on the verge of not only being a transit area but becoming a source of drugs as well. Five years later, the Global Evaluation of Synthetic Drugs 2014 was presented, and the panorama was not getting any better. The report stated that synthetic drug market had been vigorously increasing since 2012, and the 55% of the annual seizure of amphetamine corresponded to Middle East. (UNODC, 2014)The World Drug Report 2018 addresses a specific section to synthetic drugs. In this part, the report states that the global number of users of ‘ecstasy’ is 20.6 million, and the users of amphetamine and prescription stimulants is 34.2 million. This means that there was a significant increase in the quantity of amphetamine-type stimulants seized globally, as well as methamphetamine and crystalline methamphetamine. (UNODC, 2018) In summary, synthetic drugs are a growing issue that respond to the classic principle of economy: supply and demand. Any possible solution must address a way to stop both.

COMMITTEE’S CONTEXT

COMMITTEE’S RELEVANCE AT MUNEXT 19’

We would like to stress that the production and consumption of synthetic drugs is a very com-plex issue. Therefore, we expect and encour-age complex and creative solutions. However, you must remember the UNODC is an interna-tional body of cooperation; its actions are somewhat limited by several international trea-ties. Please remember to adhere to the three pillars of the UNODC, which are:

1. Field-based technical cooperation projects to enhance the capacity of Member States to counteract illicit drugs, crime and terrorism.2. Research and analytical work to increase knowledge and understanding of drugs and crime issues and expand the evidence base for policy and operational decisions.3. Normative work to assist States in the ratifi-cation and implementation of the relevant international treaties, the development of domestic legislation on drugs, crime and terror-ism, and the provision of secretariat and sub-stantive services to the treaty-based and gov-erning bodies.” (UNODC, n.d.)

Additionally, you would do well to remember that most states offer special protections to certain groups based on age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic criteria. Some of these groups are also especially protected by a number of international treaties. We fully expect the committee to tackle the impact of synthetic drugs on groups under special protections. Finally, we would also like to remind you that synthetic drugs are an evolving phenomenon. New kinds of synthetic drugs can be invented in laboratories in a matter of days, and they can capture new markets in a matter of weeks. If we are to solve this problem, it is obvious that legislating towards a solution for the present drug problem is not enough: we must also legislate towards the future.

ABOUT THE COMMITTEE

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State weakness refers to State’s inability to pursue its national interest, whatever that may be. Theoretically, this means that a weak state is unable to achieve what it is set out to do; for example, if a state recognizes its citizens’ right to life but is unable to guarantee their safety and security, then it could be seen as a weak state.

Given that most States have liberal democra-cies, and because most of them are welfare ones, they mostly recognize the same rights. In practice, this mostly means strong States have the same objectives and thus operate fairly similarly. However, if a country does not have the same objectives as liberal democracies (for example, one that does not recognize its citizens’ freedom of expression), it does not mean it is a weak state, just that it has different national interests.

The production and consumption of drugs can be seen as a result of State weakness and is, in many cases, a factual manifestation of a coun-try’s inability to uphold its legitimate monopoly of power. Most States around the world recog-nize their citizens’ right to life. Moreover, because illicit drugs are harmful for an individu-al’s health, certain States have decided that the prohibition of drugs is necessary in order to protect the above mentioned right to life. However, there are exceptions. Certain coun-tries recognize that the consumption of drugs is a personal decision, and citizens should be able to consume drugs if they so desire; this is what happened in Canada (amongst others)

It is through organizations like the UNODC where realistic, far-reaching decisions regard-ing drugs can be taken. Drug policy is espe-cially vulnerable to the typical political postur-ing undertaken by candidates who will then go on to become elected officials. However, very rarely does demagogy and populism permeate delegations sent to the United Nations. This is why sensible, honest debate can take place, and why organizations like the UNODC often reach what is considered to be the holy grail in policy-making: solutions.

Latin-America is one of the most affected regions in the world by drug trafficking. Most of criminal bands, guerrillas and cartels raise their funding by illegal drug operations, causing violence and a non-stopping conjunc-tural issue where current States’ responses have not been enough. Any effort in fighting against criminality at any dimension has to take drug trafficking as a primary topic to be addressed, as it is its base and way of survival. For the above, the Committee’s relevance at this version of MUNEXT relies on the necessi-ty to solve the drug issue in order to address any other criminal forms.

When you step in as UNODC delegates, your task will be to make the committee relevant through serious, studied discussion of policies both internal (within States) and external (within the International System). Remember: there is no country that has not, at some point in time, been troubled by drugs. The decisions undertaken by the committee will directly affect you, the government you represent, and your countrymen. Be sincere, be studious, and be very serious.

3. TOPIC: SYNTHETIC DRUGS, A GLOBAL PROBLEM.

when the possession of drugs for personal use was decriminalized.

In any case, practical and ethical considerations about each state’s drug policy are beyond the scope of this committee. Our job as a commit-tee is not to tell states how to respond to syn-thetic drugs, but to give them the tools so that they can respond to synthetic drugs as they see fit. In other words, we will not be focusing on abstract matters such as the legalization of synthetic drugs. Instead, this committee ought to create a variety of instruments of interna-tional cooperation in order to strengthen States where synthetic drugs are, in fact, an issue. This strengthening of the state can and has been achieved by the UNODC in a variety of ways, and it should enable states to respond to the problem of synthetic drugs as they decide.

You must also remember that synthetic drugs present a very peculiar set of challenges to policy-makers. We would like for you to pay special attention to all of the traditional issues regarding drug policy (production-distribu-tion-consumption), as well as regulation. Given that each and every one of you will be busy providing practical solutions to the problem at hand, we have provided a glossary which contains terms and definitions regarding state weakness, the UNODC, synthetic drugs, and other substantive matters. We have used official UN and UNODC definitions for terms that have actually been defined by the UN and the UNODC; we have also taken other defini-tions for a variety of sources. The definitions presented in the glossary are not to be discussed during the model.

INTRODUCTION TO THE TOPICWe would like to stress that the production and consumption of synthetic drugs is a very com-plex issue. Therefore, we expect and encour-age complex and creative solutions. However, you must remember the UNODC is an interna-tional body of cooperation; its actions are somewhat limited by several international trea-ties. Please remember to adhere to the three pillars of the UNODC, which are:



9#AStepToTheFuture

TOPIC

State weakness refers to State’s inability to pursue its national interest, whatever that may be. Theoretically, this means that a weak state is unable to achieve what it is set out to do; for example, if a state recognizes its citizens’ right to life but is unable to guarantee their safety and security, then it could be seen as a weak state.

Given that most States have liberal democra-cies, and because most of them are welfare ones, they mostly recognize the same rights. In practice, this mostly means strong States have the same objectives and thus operate fairly similarly. However, if a country does not have the same objectives as liberal democracies (for example, one that does not recognize its citizens’ freedom of expression), it does not mean it is a weak state, just that it has different national interests.

The production and consumption of drugs can be seen as a result of State weakness and is, in many cases, a factual manifestation of a coun-try’s inability to uphold its legitimate monopoly of power. Most States around the world recog-nize their citizens’ right to life. Moreover, because illicit drugs are harmful for an individu-al’s health, certain States have decided that the prohibition of drugs is necessary in order to protect the above mentioned right to life. However, there are exceptions. Certain coun-tries recognize that the consumption of drugs is a personal decision, and citizens should be able to consume drugs if they so desire; this is what happened in Canada (amongst others)

when the possession of drugs for personal use was decriminalized.

In any case, practical and ethical considerations about each state’s drug policy are beyond the scope of this committee. Our job as a commit-tee is not to tell states how to respond to syn-thetic drugs, but to give them the tools so that they can respond to synthetic drugs as they see fit. In other words, we will not be focusing on abstract matters such as the legalization of synthetic drugs. Instead, this committee ought to create a variety of instruments of interna-tional cooperation in order to strengthen States where synthetic drugs are, in fact, an issue. This strengthening of the state can and has been achieved by the UNODC in a variety of ways, and it should enable states to respond to the problem of synthetic drugs as they decide.

You must also remember that synthetic drugs present a very peculiar set of challenges to policy-makers. We would like for you to pay special attention to all of the traditional issues regarding drug policy (production-distribu-tion-consumption), as well as regulation. Given that each and every one of you will be busy providing practical solutions to the problem at hand, we have provided a glossary which contains terms and definitions regarding state weakness, the UNODC, synthetic drugs, and other substantive matters. We have used official UN and UNODC definitions for terms that have actually been defined by the UN and the UNODC; we have also taken other defini-tions for a variety of sources. The definitions presented in the glossary are not to be discussed during the model.

INTRODUCTION TO THE TOPIC

INVOLVED PARTIES

StatesAs the maximum authority within a country, Governments play a significant role in the regu-lation of the production and commercialization of any type. They decide whether to accept or not a resolution, and it is their jurisdiction to implement it -or not-. Nonetheless, not all States play the same role regarding the issue of synthetic drugs. This may be addressed by dividing countries in two categories:

a. producer countriesb. consumer countries.1

State’s interest in this matter relies on a variety of issues. For instance, synthetic drugs have been an outstanding problem regarding public health: they are a high potential for addiction and abuse and are potentially life threatening. On the other hand, the variety of chemical compounds makes it almost impossible for States to impose laws for each and every one of them. This causes an imperative need for Governments to find a solution so wide it can ban all synthetic drugs. (Escobedo, 2013)

Furthermore, the impact in each region varies depending its tendency to be a consumer or a producer. This variety is clearly seen in the Global Synthetic Drugs Assessment 20172, where the issue is divided among regions:

-Africa: this region faces great challenges regarding limited law enforcement and forensic capacity to detect synthetic drugs, as well as border controls. Moreover, most States do not offer an annual report to the UNODC, making even harder to monitor substances in this part of the world. Methamphetamine continues to be trafficked from West Africa, and there are several laboratories among the entire continent. Africa remains a major source and consumer of synthetic drugs among the globe,

and it is one of the hardest region to control and monitor.

-Central and Southwest Asia: even though the region has always been a prominent methamphetamine producer, new synthetic substances are taking place, and there has been an increasingly amphetamine seizures surge. There has been an emergence of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in countries of Central and South-West Asia, with the exception of Afghanistan, Iran and Turkmenistan. Moreover, as the Assessment states, the region is a transit corridor for synthetic drug trafficking:

Global methamphetamine trafficking data for 2010-2015 shows that East and South-East Asia and Oceania continue to be the main recipients of the methamphetamine trafficked worldwide, whereas South-West Asia, including the Near and Middle East, and Western and Central Europe appear to function primarily as transit points for global methamphetamine trafficking flows. (UNODC, 2017)

-East and Southeast Asia and Oceania: In this region, methamphetamine is the synthetic drug for excellence. However, there have been reports that stated an increase on the usage of ‘ecstasy’ and other NPS in recent years. The most alarming one is the consumption of crystalline amphetamine. On the other hand, the manufacture of methamphetamine and its consequent trafficking, have both increased since 2012.

-Europe: both manufacturer and trafficker, the region stays on top of amphetamine-type stimulants, with 2015 as the highest year on seizures of the drug. Parallel, the market has expanded and developed new psychoactive substances, as the table states:




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TOPIC

INVOLVED PARTIES

StatesAs the maximum authority within a country, Governments play a significant role in the regu-lation of the production and commercialization of any type. They decide whether to accept or not a resolution, and it is their jurisdiction to implement it -or not-. Nonetheless, not all States play the same role regarding the issue of synthetic drugs. This may be addressed by dividing countries in two categories:

a. producer countriesb. consumer countries.1

State’s interest in this matter relies on a variety of issues. For instance, synthetic drugs have been an outstanding problem regarding public health: they are a high potential for addiction and abuse and are potentially life threatening. On the other hand, the variety of chemical compounds makes it almost impossible for States to impose laws for each and every one of them. This causes an imperative need for Governments to find a solution so wide it can ban all synthetic drugs. (Escobedo, 2013)

Furthermore, the impact in each region varies depending its tendency to be a consumer or a producer. This variety is clearly seen in the Global Synthetic Drugs Assessment 20172, where the issue is divided among regions:

-Africa: this region faces great challenges regarding limited law enforcement and forensic capacity to detect synthetic drugs, as well as border controls. Moreover, most States do not offer an annual report to the UNODC, making even harder to monitor substances in this part of the world. Methamphetamine continues to be trafficked from West Africa, and there are several laboratories among the entire continent. Africa remains a major source and consumer of synthetic drugs among the globe,

and it is one of the hardest region to control and monitor.

-Central and Southwest Asia: even though the region has always been a prominent methamphetamine producer, new synthetic substances are taking place, and there has been an increasingly amphetamine seizures surge. There has been an emergence of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in countries of Central and South-West Asia, with the exception of Afghanistan, Iran and Turkmenistan. Moreover, as the Assessment states, the region is a transit corridor for synthetic drug trafficking:

Global methamphetamine trafficking data for 2010-2015 shows that East and South-East Asia and Oceania continue to be the main recipients of the methamphetamine trafficked worldwide, whereas South-West Asia, including the Near and Middle East, and Western and Central Europe appear to function primarily as transit points for global methamphetamine trafficking flows. (UNODC, 2017)

-East and Southeast Asia and Oceania: In this region, methamphetamine is the synthetic drug for excellence. However, there have been reports that stated an increase on the usage of ‘ecstasy’ and other NPS in recent years. The most alarming one is the consumption of crystalline amphetamine. On the other hand, the manufacture of methamphetamine and its consequent trafficking, have both increased since 2012.

-Europe: both manufacturer and trafficker, the region stays on top of amphetamine-type stimulants, with 2015 as the highest year on seizures of the drug. Parallel, the market has expanded and developed new psychoactive substances, as the table states:

1. In this matter, Latin America tends to play the role of consumer rather than producer.2. We highly encourage you to read the full report, that you may find here: UNODC (2017). Global Synthetic Drugs Assessment. Retrieved from: https://www.unodc.org/documents/scientific/Global_Synthetic_Drugs_Assessment_2017.pdf

-Near and middle east: the market in this part of the world is dominated primarily by amphetamine, and the biggest producer is Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, NPS have also taken place into the region, being synthetic cannabinoids the go-to substance (produced mainly in Israel).

-North and Central America: as it is stated in the report, as in 2015 seized Methamphetamine numbers increased more than any other synthetic drug. Laboratories were found mostly in both Mexico and the United States, and the trafficking was appointed to most parts of the world.

-South America: in contrast to natural drugs, such as cannabis or cocaine, both produced in the region, South America plays the role of consumer with synthetic drugs. The diversity of NPS grew to maximum levels in 2016, where over 60 million types of stimulants were reported. The prime substance is known as ‘phenethylamine’.

Illegal GroupsGroups at the margin of law base their funding mainly in drug trafficking. Moreover, synthetic drugs mobilize billions of euros each year, and that is precisely the reason why more and more illegal groups are running into this business – along with the fact that they are easily sold as legal. This groups can be divided in four, as it follows:

a. Organized Crime Groups.b. Guerrillas.c. Drug Cartels.d. Terrorist Groups.

Fragile communitiesNowadays synthetic drugs are used by a very specific part of the population, being mainly youth and homeless the ones affected. This communities play an outstanding role in the process of commercialization.

i) On one hand, youth is the principal target for illegal groups. Consume in parties is a tendency that has been increasing since the 90’s. According to the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), there were over 23 million people over the age of 12 addicted to drugs at some level. The Council also states “Young people who start drinking alcohol before age 15 are 5 times more likely to develop alcohol abuse or dependence than people who first used alcohol at age 21 or older. Research for drug use and drug addiction has found similar results.” (NCADD, 2015)3

ii) Homelessness, on the other hand, plays a crucial role. This community is not only an avid consumer of drugs, but also they help commercializing it. Given their fragility, and their addiction, OCG’s use them as a ‘protection shield’, so they are the ones to blame if any authority finds the usage of drugs.




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-Near and middle east: the market in this part of the world is dominated primarily by amphetamine, and the biggest producer is Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, NPS have also taken place into the region, being synthetic cannabinoids the go-to substance (produced mainly in Israel).

-North and Central America: as it is stated in the report, as in 2015 seized Methamphetamine numbers increased more than any other synthetic drug. Laboratories were found mostly in both Mexico and the United States, and the trafficking was appointed to most parts of the world.

-South America: in contrast to natural drugs, such as cannabis or cocaine, both produced in the region, South America plays the role of consumer with synthetic drugs. The diversity of NPS grew to maximum levels in 2016, where over 60 million types of stimulants were reported. The prime substance is known as ‘phenethylamine’.

Illegal GroupsGroups at the margin of law base their funding mainly in drug trafficking. Moreover, synthetic drugs mobilize billions of euros each year, and that is precisely the reason why more and more illegal groups are running into this business – along with the fact that they are easily sold as legal. This groups can be divided in four, as it follows:

a. Organized Crime Groups.b. Guerrillas.c. Drug Cartels.d. Terrorist Groups.

Fragile communitiesNowadays synthetic drugs are used by a very specific part of the population, being mainly youth and homeless the ones affected. This communities play an outstanding role in the process of commercialization.

i) On one hand, youth is the principal target for illegal groups. Consume in parties is a tendency that has been increasing since the 90’s. According to the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), there were over 23 million people over the age of 12 addicted to drugs at some level. The Council also states “Young people who start drinking alcohol before age 15 are 5 times more likely to develop alcohol abuse or dependence than people who first used alcohol at age 21 or older. Research for drug use and drug addiction has found similar results.” (NCADD, 2015)3

ii) Homelessness, on the other hand, plays a crucial role. This community is not only an avid consumer of drugs, but also they help commercializing it. Given their fragility, and their addiction, OCG’s use them as a ‘protection shield’, so they are the ones to blame if any authority finds the usage of drugs.

3. See also: Prevalence of NPS use among general and youth population, UNODC. (https://dataunodc.un.org/drugs/prevalence_of_nps)

FURTHER CONSIDERATIONSWe would like to stress that the production and consumption of synthetic drugs is a very com-plex issue. Therefore, we expect and encour-age complex and creative solutions. However, you must remember the UNODC is an interna-tional body of cooperation; its actions are somewhat limited by several international trea-ties. Please remember to adhere to the three pillars of the UNODC, which are:






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HISTORIC CONTEXT

1869

The first synthetic drug, chloral hydrate, was discovered and introduced as a sedative-hypnotic.

1874The first semisynthetic opiate, diacetylmorphine, also known as heroin, was created. It was later marketed by Bayer as an antitussive substance.

1887

Amphetamine was first synthesized by the Romanian chemist L. Edeleano, who called the compound phenylisopropylamine.

1919Methampethamine was synthesized in Japan, where it was used for asthma. However, it only began to be commercialized in 1938, under the name of Methedrina.

1971

Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which established an international control system for psychotropic substances and certain synthetic drugs.

1946

The World Health Organization (WHO) was created, which brought a short period of low drug consumption.

1961Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (with a Protocol on 1972)




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1979Fentanyls first appeared in California under the name “China White.” At least 10 different analogs have been identified to date and are thought to be responsible for over 100 overdose deaths.

1988Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

1998UN 20th General Assembly Special Session on Drugs.

2000

UNODC’s World Drug Report addresses the issue as ‘Amphetamine type stimulants’

2008UNODC’s annual report on drugs states the increase in the usage of synthetic simulants.

2014

Global Evaluation of Synthetic Drugs stated that synthetic drug market had been vigorously increasing since 2012.




Q-ARMAS

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4. Q-ARMAS

1) How can States strengthen themselves in order to prevent the production of synthetic drugs?2) Why is the synthetic drug trade harder to fight against than the “regular” drug trade? How can States eliminate this difference?3) How can States strengthen themselves in order to prevent the consumption of synthetic drugs?4) How are specially groups affected by the synthetic drug trade? How should they be protected?

5. GUIDING QUESTIONS1) Are synthetic drugs legal?2) What are the existent international treaties, agreements, etc. that regulate synthetic drugs?3) Is there any State that has succeeded in fighting this kind of stimulants? How did it manage to do so?4) Do international treaties penalize the personal usage of drugs? 5) What are first-generation rights? Why are they important?

6. GLOSSARY1. Transnational Crime: Criminal activity which is motivated by profit and has international implications. (E.g. transnational crime does not only refer to crime committed in more than one state; it can also refer to crimes planned in one state and committed in another, or crimes committed in one state that affect other states.) (UNODC, 2010)

2. Organized Criminal Group: According to the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) Article 2 (a), an OCG is:

-group of three or more persons that was not randomly formed;-existing for a period of time;-acting in concert with the aim of committing at least one crime punishable by at least four years' incarceration;-in order to obtain, directly or indirectly, a financial or other material benefit.

3. Synthetic Drugs: All drugs of abuse that do not come from plant products or diverted pharmaceuticals could be categorized as synthetics. Based on their chemical composition, synthetic drugs are commonly divided into two categories:

1. Cannabinoids such as K2 and Spice. Synthetic Cannabinoids are chemicals that mimic the effect of THC, the primary psychoactive active ingredient in marijuana.2. Stimulants such as Bath Salts. Most synthetic stimulants contain chemical compounds that mimic the effects of cocaine, LSD and methamphetamine. (Similar drugs include MDMA sometimes referred to as “ecstasy”, “molly”) (CADCA, 2015)

4. Synthetic Drugs: a State’s inability to pursue its national interest, whatever that may be.

CADCA. (2015). Synthetic Drugs. Retrieved from CADCA: https://www.cadca.org/synthetic-drugs

Escobedo, T. (2013, 09 13). What you need to know about synthetic drugs.Retrieved from CNN: https://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/13/health/synthetic-drugs-7-things/index.html

NCADD. (2015). ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND YOUTH. Retrieved from National Council on Alcoholism: https://www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/underage-issues/alcohol-drugs-and-youth

UNODC. (2008, September 9). UNODC Warns of Growing Abuse of Synthetic Drugs in the Developing World. Retrieved from UNODC: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2008-09-09.html

UNODC. (2010). THE THREAT OF TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME. Retrieved from UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/tocta/1.The-threat-transnational-organized-crime.pdf

UNODC. (2014, May 20). INFORME DE UNODC SEÑALA EL INCREMENTO DEL TRÁFICO DE METANFETAMINA Y NUEVAS SUSTANCIAS PSICOACTIVAS. Retrieved from UNODC: http://www.unodc.org/peruandecuador/es/noticias/2014/mayo/presentacion-de-informe-evaluacion-global-de-las-drogas-sinteticas-2014.html

UNODC. (2017). Global Synthetic Drugs Assessment 2017 . Retrieved from UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/documents/scientific/Global_Synthetic_Drugs_Assessment_2017.pdf

UNODC. (2018). About UNODC. Retrieved from UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/about-unodc/index.html?ref=menutop

UNODC. (2018). Treaties. Retrieved from UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/es/treaties/index.html?ref=menuside

UNODC. (2018). UN70: Seven Decades of the United Nations. Retrieved from UNODC: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/frontpage/2015/un70.html

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY

UNODC. (2018). World Drug Report 2018. Retrieved from UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/wdr2018/prelaunch/WDR18_Booklet_3_Synthetic_drugs.pdf

UNODCCP. (2000). WORLD DRUG REPORT 200. Retrieved from UNODC : http://www.unodc.org/pdf/world_drug_report_2000/report_2001-01-22_1.pdf




BIBLIOGRAPHY

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CADCA. (2015). Synthetic Drugs. Retrieved from CADCA: https://www.cadca.org/synthetic-drugs

Escobedo, T. (2013, 09 13). What you need to know about synthetic drugs.Retrieved from CNN: https://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/13/health/synthetic-drugs-7-things/index.html

NCADD. (2015). ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND YOUTH. Retrieved from National Council on Alcoholism: https://www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/underage-issues/alcohol-drugs-and-youth

UNODC. (2008, September 9). UNODC Warns of Growing Abuse of Synthetic Drugs in the Developing World. Retrieved from UNODC: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2008-09-09.html

UNODC. (2010). THE THREAT OF TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME. Retrieved from UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/tocta/1.The-threat-transnational-organized-crime.pdf

UNODC. (2014, May 20). INFORME DE UNODC SEÑALA EL INCREMENTO DEL TRÁFICO DE METANFETAMINA Y NUEVAS SUSTANCIAS PSICOACTIVAS. Retrieved from UNODC: http://www.unodc.org/peruandecuador/es/noticias/2014/mayo/presentacion-de-informe-evaluacion-global-de-las-drogas-sinteticas-2014.html

UNODC. (2017). Global Synthetic Drugs Assessment 2017 . Retrieved from UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/documents/scientific/Global_Synthetic_Drugs_Assessment_2017.pdf

UNODC. (2018). About UNODC. Retrieved from UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/about-unodc/index.html?ref=menutop

UNODC. (2018). Treaties. Retrieved from UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/es/treaties/index.html?ref=menuside

UNODC. (2018). UN70: Seven Decades of the United Nations. Retrieved from UNODC: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/frontpage/2015/un70.html

8. BIBLIOGRAPHY SUGGESTED BY THE DAIS

We highly encourage you to read all the World Drug Reports since 2016, specifically the sections that address the synthetic drugs (NPS, ATS, MDMA). Furthermore, the Global Synthetic Drugs Assessment of 2017 contains crucial information and a deep analysis regarding new kinds of stimulants. These two suggestions can be found in the bibliography chart used in this guide.

UNODC. (2018). World Drug Report 2018. Retrieved from UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/wdr2018/prelaunch/WDR18_Booklet_3_Synthetic_drugs.pdf

UNODCCP. (2000). WORLD DRUG REPORT 200. Retrieved from UNODC : http://www.unodc.org/pdf/world_drug_report_2000/report_2001-01-22_1.pdf

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