UNODC report highlights distinct synthetic drug markets across South Asia
Summary
UNODC says synthetic-drug markets across South Asia are evolving differently, with Nepal facing growing circulation of controlled pharmaceuticals such as tramadol, tapentadol and codeine. The report calls for stronger regional cooperation, early-warning systems and enforcement capacity to combat new substances and trafficking networks.
Key Points
- UNODC's latest report says synthetic-drug markets in South Asia are changing rapidly, with each country facing distinct drug patterns.
- Nepal is seeing significant illicit circulation of controlled pharmaceuticals moved through land, postal, courier and cargo channels.
- A February 2025 operation in Kathmandu recovered 564,100 tramadol tablets, highlighting the scale of diversion.
- UNODC launched three practical tools to support national responses, investigations and law-enforcement training.
