Secretary Antony J. Blinken delivered a pivotal address at the “Addressing the Public Health and Security Threat of Synthetic Drugs through Global Cooperation” event, where he emphasized the imperative need for international collaboration in combating the rising synthetic drug crisis. The event brought together representatives from numerous national governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector, highlighting the global reach of this escalating challenge.
Secretary Blinken acknowledged that the synthetic drug crisis knows no boundaries, affirming that “No part of the world is immune.” To effectively safeguard populations, a collective effort spanning governments, regions, and sectors is indispensable. He underscored the gravity of the issue, emphasizing the powerful message conveyed in a video presentation, which vividly portrayed the urgent public health menace posed by synthetic drugs.
In the United States, synthetic drugs have emerged as the leading cause of death among individuals aged 18 to 49. With nearly 110,000 overdose fatalities recorded last year, more than two-thirds of these tragic incidents involved synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl. The toll of this crisis extends beyond mere statistics; it has ravaged families, communities, and strained both public health and criminal justice systems.
Secretary Blinken illuminated the global nature of this predicament, asserting that the United States is not alone in grappling with the synthetic drug crisis. Criminal organizations are exploiting vulnerabilities in interconnected systems to introduce new drugs through novel channels worldwide. Every region is witnessing an alarming surge in synthetic drug prevalence, ranging from tramadol in Africa to counterfeit Captagon pills in the Middle East and the proliferation of ketamine and amphetamines in Asia.
The Secretary cited concerning instances, such as the seizure of 5 million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl in Australia, constituting the largest such seizure ever documented by authorities. Furthermore, in the European Union, a startling 41 previously unidentified synthetic substances were reported last year. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has classified the synthetic drug trade in Asia as having reached “extreme levels.”
In response to this daunting challenge, the United States initiated the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, recognizing the pressing need for coordinated international action. In July, the coalition’s inaugural ministerial meeting convened, featuring participation from officials representing over 80 countries and leaders from numerous regional and international organizations. Subsequently, the coalition established three working groups dedicated to preventing illicit manufacturing and trafficking of synthetic drugs and their chemical precursors, detecting emerging drug threats, and advancing public health solutions.
Secretary Blinken welcomed the gathering of representatives from more than 100 countries worldwide, along with contributions from civil society and the private sector. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the collective expertise and experience of the global community to develop concrete and effective solutions. These solutions encompass various approaches, including public health initiatives, exemplified by Kazakhstan’s newly launched three-year plan targeting minors with substance use disorders. Additionally, they entail law enforcement interventions, such as Honduras’ national coalition, uniting military, police, prosecutors, and the private sector to enhance the regulation of legal precursors.
Secretary Blinken also highlighted innovative efforts involving experts, including scientists collaborating with the United Nations to enhance the capabilities of over 300 national forensic laboratories in 96 countries. These initiatives encompass training scientists and providing technological tools to enhance synthetic drug detection.
These interventions represent the blueprint for the global coalition’s actions, with plans to share, replicate, and scale these approaches. Simultaneously, the coalition seeks to bolster best practices, such as expanded information sharing between governments and the private sector, the implementation of stringent shipment labeling standards, and the adoption of “know-your-customer” practices to mitigate precursor diversion into illicit use.
In parallel, the United States remains committed to deploying its diplomatic tools to address this crisis. This year, it will allocate over $100 million to support partners in enhancing drug detection, identification, interdiction capabilities, and delivering vital treatment and prevention services.
