RI calls for adaptive response to synthetic drugs at CND session

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia has emphasized the need for a more adaptive response to the threat of synthetic drugs during the reconvened 68th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna.

National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto highlighted that the synthetics in question include nitazenes and rapidly evolving designer precursors spreading across various regions.

“Indonesia will continue to play an active role in international forums to ensure that every global policy is science-based, balanced, and considers public health security interests,” Seto said, as quoted in the agency’s statement here on Thursday.

Addressing the synthetic drug threat, he said Indonesia requires strengthened laboratory capacity, early detection systems, and adequate toxicology standards to anticipate the entry of new narcotics and support class-based scheduling for high-risk synthetic substances.

BNN received recognition for its firm, consistent, and constructive stance in supporting WHO recommendations and its commitment to enhancing national laboratory capacity.

The CND session 68 reviewed the implementation of three International Drug Control Conventions, global synthetic drug trends, WHO technical recommendations, and geopolitical dynamics shaping international drug policy.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported a significant surge in New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) from 254 types to over 1,400 in the past decade, including 168 detected synthetic opioids, alongside growing circulation of designer precursors such as nitazenes.

WHO’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence recommended two nitazenes be included in Schedule I of the 1961 Convention, and MDMB-Fubinaca in Schedule II of the 1971 Convention.

Indonesia also supported WHO’s recommendation to maintain coca leaves in Schedule I.

The session also discussed the implementation of Resolution 68/6 establishing an Independent Expert Panel. Fifteen of 19 proposed experts have been approved, with regional groups still seeking consensus.

Geopolitical dynamics influenced debates over anti-narcotics operations, panel candidates from certain regions, and synthetic opioid handling across Asia and Africa, BNN stated.

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