Commission on Narcotic Drugs takes decisive step to help prevent deadly fentanyl overdoses

News

Commission on Narcotic Drugs takes decisive step to help prevent deadly fentanyl overdoses

17 March 2017
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

By scheduling two fentanyl precursors and a fentanyl analogue, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) is sending a clear message that it can help protect people's health and respond to the urgent needs of states, the Chair of 60th Session of the CND, Ambassador Bente Angell-Hansen said today.

"This was a crucial decision by the Commission, and it is proof that the CND can respond quickly when a crisis involving people's lives has to be addressed," said Ms. Angell-Hansen.

Based on research in UNODC's recently released Global Smart Report, fentanyl and its analogues have contributed to more than 5,000 overdose deaths in North America since 2013. Deaths have also been recorded in European Union Member States, including Finland, Germany, Greece and the United Kingdom; and in Australia, Algeria and Morocco.

Click here to read the full article.

Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.

Thumbnail: Flickr CC Be.Futureproof