International Narcotics Control Board marks milestone of 100,000 synthetic drug trafficking incidents exchanged globally through IONICS platform

UNIS/NAR/1489
31 October 2024

International Narcotics Control Board marks milestone of 100,000 synthetic drug trafficking incidents exchanged globally through IONICS platform

VIENNA, 31 October (UN Information Service) - At its 141^st session, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) is marking the milestone of 100,000 synthetic drug trafficking incidents exchanged through its Project Ion Incident Communication System (IONICS). The system, which has now been in operation for ten years, plays a pivotal role in global efforts against trafficking in synthetic drugs by enabling Governments to share critical information on incidents relating to new psychoactive substances, including highly potent non-medical synthetic opioids.

Launched in 2014 under the auspices of Project Ion - INCB's global project targeting trafficking in dangerous new psychoactive substances, IONICS is a secure, real-time communication platform to facilitate the rapid exchange of operational intelligence between national law enforcement and regulatory authorities and relevant international organizations worldwide. Over the past decade, IONICS has become an indispensable tool for enforcement agencies, enabling officers to exchange information, develop actionable intelligence, coordinate operations, and ultimately disrupt the activities of trafficking networks, including in some of the most remote locations around the world.

Prof. Jallal Toufiq, INCB President said: "The 10-year anniversary of IONICS marks a significant milestone in the Board's global efforts to combat trafficking in emerging synthetic drugs, dangerous synthetic opioids and related chemicals. The exchange of information on more than 100,000 incidents is testament to the commitment of over 1,500 IONICS focal points in participating countries and the effectiveness of the system. IONICS has not only facilitated international cooperation but has also saved countless lives by enabling the dismantling of criminal networks and preventing the spread of synthetic drugs."

IONICS has facilitated the swift reporting of NPS and synthetic drug seizures, trafficking routes, and other critical incidents, enabling timely interventions and coordinated actions across borders. Over the past ten years, the information exchanged through IONICS has led to numerous successful operations - most recently Operation Zodiac and Operation African Star coordinated at the INCB GRIDS Cyber-Communications Centre (GC3) in Vienna - against drug trafficking organizations, disrupting illicit supply chains and reducing the availability of substances on illicit markets worldwide. The system is supplemented by training by the INCB GRIDS Programme Regional Technical Officers located around the world.

Prof. Toufiq added: "As we look to the future, INCB will continue to innovate and evolve IONICS to meet the growing challenges of the global synthetic drug problem. We are confident that, with the continued support and collaboration of our partners, we will make further progress in safeguarding health and wellbeing in the years to come."

The 141^st session of the International Narcotics Control Board is taking place at the Vienna International Centre from 29 October to 15 November. During the session, the Board will finalize its 2024 annual report, precursors report and technical publications on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. This year, the Board's annual report includes a thematic chapter on possible responses to the rapid expansion of synthetic drug manufacture, marketing, and consumption.

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