International Narcotics Control Board concludes 132nd session 

VIENNA, 19 November (United Nations Information Service) – The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has concluded its 132nd session in Vienna, Austria with in-person meetings for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. INCB Board Members continued to work towards improving the functioning of the international drug control system for the licit trade in controlled substances over the course of three weeks. This included reviewing the availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, including during emergencies, reviewing Member States’ implementation of the three drug control conventions and finalizing the INCB annual report.  

As one of INCB’s main objectives is to support Member States in implementing the drug control conventions, Board Members engaged with Permanent Missions during the session to support their implementation of the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, particularly articles 12 and 13 on the chemicals, equipment and materials used in illicit drug manufacture.  

To support Member States in implementing the 2030 Agenda, INCB continued to work with both United Nations agencies and other intergovernmental organizations, consulting with the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Chair of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and representatives of the World Health Organization during the session. INCB also held consultations with Interpol and the World Customs Organization as part of ongoing cooperation in efforts to facilitate licit trade while preventing illicit traffic.  

At the closing the session, INCB President Jagjit Pavadia reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to assist Member States in implementing their treaty obligations and to progress the Sustainable Development Goals, including through the INCB Learning and GRIDS Programmes.  

*** 

INCB is the independent, quasi-judicial body charged with promoting and monitoring Government compliance with the three international drug control conventions: the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Established by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, the thirteen members of the Board are elected in a personal capacity by the Economic and Social Council for terms of five years. 

* *** * 

For further information please contact: 
INCB Secretariat 
Telephone for media inquiries: (+43-1) 26060 4163  
Email:  incb.secretariat[at]un.org   
Website:  www.incb.org