The International Narcotics Control Board marks a milestone of 100,000 synthetic drug trafficking incidents shared globally via the IONICS platform

UNIS/NAR/1489
October 31, 2024

VIENNA, October 31 (UN Information Service) – On his 141st birthday^st In this session, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) marks the milestone of 100,000 incidents related to the trafficking of synthetic drugs exchanged through its Project Ion Incident Communication System (IONICS). The system, now in operation for ten years, plays a central role in global efforts to combat synthetic drug trafficking by enabling governments to share important information about incidents involving new psychoactive substances, including highly potent non-medical synthetic opioids .

Launched in 2014 under the auspices of Project Ion – INCB's global project to combat trafficking in dangerous new psychoactive substances – IONICS is a secure, real-time communications platform that enables the rapid exchange of operational information between national law enforcement and regulatory authorities and relevant international organizations facilitated worldwide. Over the last decade, IONICS has become an essential tool for law enforcement, enabling officers to share information, develop actionable intelligence, coordinate operations, and ultimately disrupt the activities of human trafficking networks, even in some of the most remote locations around the world.

Prof. Jallal Toufiq, President of the INCB, said: “The 10th anniversary of IONICS marks a significant milestone in the Board's global efforts to combat trafficking in new synthetic drugs, dangerous synthetic opioids and related chemicals.” Sharing information on more More than 100,000 incidents is evidence of the commitment of over 1,500 IONICS contact points in the participating countries and the effectiveness of the system. IONICS has not only facilitated international cooperation, but has also saved countless lives by enabling the dismantling of criminal networks and preventing the spread of synthetic drugs.”

IONICS has facilitated rapid reporting of NPS and synthetic drug seizures, drug trafficking routes, and other critical incidents, enabling timely intervention and coordinated action across borders. Over the past decade, information shared via IONICS has led to numerous successful operations against drug trafficking organizations and disrupted illicit supply chains – most recently Operation Zodiac and Operation African Star, coordinated by the INCB GRIDS Cyber-Communications Center (GC3) in Vienna and Reduction the availability of substances on illegal markets worldwide. The system is complemented by training from the regional technical officers of the INCB GRIDS program around the world.

Prof. Toufiq added: “Looking forward, INCB will continue to innovate and advance IONICS to meet the growing challenges of the global synthetic drug problem. We are confident that with the continued support and collaboration of our partners, we will make further progress in protecting health and well-being in the coming years.”

The 141st^st The meeting of the International Narcotics Control Board will take place from October 29th to November 15th at the Vienna International Center. During the meeting, the Board will finalize its 2024 annual report, precursor report and technical publications on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. This year, the Committee's annual report includes a thematic chapter on possible responses to the rapid expansion of the production, marketing and use of synthetic drugs.

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INCB Secretariat
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Email: incb.secretariat[at]un.o.g
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