Global Call to Action by Antony J. Blinken

A United Front Against Synthetic Drugs: In a groundbreaking session with the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, highlighted the dire global crisis posed by synthetic drugs, including fentanyl, which has become the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45. With over 40% of U.S. residents affected by opioid-related fatalities, the urgency to combat this epidemic extends beyond American borders, affecting nations worldwide.

Worldwide Impact and the Need for Collective Action: Synthetic drug abuse, dependency, and fatalities are on a sharp rise globally, with significant increases in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The complexity of the synthetic drug trade, involving the manufacturing, trafficking, and distribution by criminal enterprises, underscores the necessity for international collaboration. The U.S. is taking a stand, working with 151 countries and 14 international organizations to thwart the production and distribution of these lethal substances.

Initiatives to Combat the Crisis

Collaboration with Tech Giants: Efforts include a partnership with major social media platforms like Meta and Snap, alongside the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, to hinder the illicit trade online. This initiative also aims to leverage these platforms to educate the public about the dangers of synthetic drugs.

Boosting Health Interventions and Funding: The U.S. has committed $100 million towards global efforts to combat synthetic drugs, with plans to increase this funding by an additional $170 million next year. These resources will enhance access to vital interventions like naloxone, aiming to curb overdose deaths significantly.

Regulation of Chemical Precursors: A key strategy involves advocating for the control of chemical precursors used in the production of synthetic drugs, aiming to prevent their illicit use and reduce the availability of drugs like fentanyl on the streets.