International Drug Control Treaties: A Comprehensive Overview
International Drug Control Treaties
The Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971
This United Nations treaty, signed in Vienna in 1971, aims to control psychoactive drugs like amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and psychedelics. It expanded the scope of control beyond the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988
This landmark convention addressed the ethical and societal impacts of drug abuse. It was adopted in response to the globalization of drug trafficking and the rise in demand for cannabis, cocaine, and heroin.
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)
This historic public health agreement, adopted in 2003, outlines steps for governments to combat tobacco use. These include tax measures, advertising bans, smoke-free areas, health warnings, and preventing illegal sales.
National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP)
Launched in India in 2007, the NTCP raises awareness about tobacco’s harmful effects, reduces tobacco product supply, and implements the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.
Aims and Objectives of NTCP:
- Raise awareness about tobacco’s harmful effects
- Reduce tobacco production and supply
- Implement COTPA provisions
- Help people quit tobacco use
- Implement WHO FCTC strategies
Salient Features of Social Legislation: NDPS Act, 1985
Enacted in India in 1985, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) prohibits the cultivation, production, possession, sale, purchase, trade, import, export, use, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, except for medical and scientific purposes.
Salient Features of Social Legislation: COTPA, 2003
The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) prohibits smoking in public places, bans tobacco advertising, prohibits sales to minors, regulates health warnings on tobacco packaging, and regulates tar and nicotine content.
Key Provisions of COTPA:
- Prohibition of smoking in public places
- Ban on tobacco advertising
- Prohibition of sales to minors
- Regulation of health warnings
- Regulation of tar and nicotine content
Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 (Amended in 1972)
This comprehensive treaty, adopted in 1961 and amended in 1972, aimed to control narcotics and establish guidelines for managing the production of raw materials for illicit drugs. It marked a significant step in international drug control efforts.
Three Important International Drug Conventions:
- Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 (Amended in 1972)
- The Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971
- United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988