Russia opposes erosion of existing drug control system — Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. Russia opposes efforts to erode the existing drug control system, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated in a message marking the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The Foreign Ministry emphasized that countering the drug threat is among the priorities for ensuring Russia's national security. The international anti-drug conventions - the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, and the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988 - remain a solid foundation for interstate cooperation in this area, it added.

"The Russian side proceeds from the need for strict compliance with these fundamental documents and opposes the erosion of the existing drug control system. Legislative initiatives in some countries to decriminalize and regulate the non-medical use of drugs significantly reduce public perception of drug-related risks and constitute a serious violation of the provisions of the conventions," the Russian Foreign Ministry indicated.

The ministry noted that a significant negative trend is the rapid global spread of synthetic drugs. "In this regard, in March 2026, Russia appealed to the UN Secretary-General with a proposal to place four mephedrone precursors and one methadone precursor under international control. Moscow is convinced that the implementation of this initiative will contribute to ensuring the safety and health of current and future generations," it recalled.

The ministry noted that solving the world drug problem and effectively countering challenges in this area is possible only through constructive, depoliticized cooperation of all interested parties, especially in law enforcement. "Together with a wide range of like-minded states, Russia advocates the need to strengthen the existing international legal regime for drug control and the importance of building a society free of drug abuse. The corresponding joint statement, initiated by our country during the 69th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, was joined by 43 states," it added.

"Russia is committed to the diligent fulfillment of its obligations. A testament to this is our extensive project cooperation with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and other international organizations. Moscow will continue to provide donor assistance and conduct training courses for partners in Central Asia, Africa, Iran, Pakistan, and other regions," the statement reads.

Exchange of experience with partners

Moscow also pays special attention to the issue of the uneven distribution of narcotic medicines globally and contributes to increasing the availability of controlled substances for legitimate purposes. "Our country is a major donor to the International Narcotics Control Board's initiative 'INCB-Learning,' within which scientific and practical events are held aimed at ensuring accessibility, improving the quality of states' reporting to the Board, and supporting implementation of the conventions as a whole," it added.

The ministry noted that from June 29 to July 3, with Russia's financial and organizational support, another training seminar of the "INCB-Learning" program will be held in Moscow. The closing ceremony on July 3 is expected to be attended by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky and State Secretary - Deputy Minister of Health Oleg Salagay.

"Russia intends to continue expanding the practice of exchanging experience and providing technical assistance to partner states in order to strengthen their anti-drug capacity, including by increasing the geographical coverage of trainings," the ministry indicated.