| INTERNET
DRUGS |
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International
The
non-medical use of addictive drugs without a prescription and the
illegal sale of these drugs via the internet are not only problems
for the United States. Globally, the abuse of prescription drugs
is also increasing and many illegal internet pharmacies are located
in other countries.
Several important
international organizations have recently released major reports
on this growing threat.
The
International Narcotics Control Board
The International
Narcotics Control Board (INCB) is an independent, quasi-judicial
organization within the United Nations that is responsible for monitoring
and enforcing the provisions of the various international treaties
governing the production and sale of narcotics and other psychoactive
drugs.
The INCB issues
an annual report, released in March of each year, that provides
detailed information on drug production and drug abuse trends in
different countries and on the size and scope of the international
drug trade.
The INCB now
sees growing prescription drug abuse as a significant threat in
many countries, a threat that may soon surpass traditional concerns
about the abuse of heroin, cocaine, hashish and marijuana.
Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission
The Inter-American
Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), which is part of the Organization
of American States (OAS), promotes narcotics control cooperation
and coordination among countries in the Western Hemisphere. CICAD
also encourages multilateral cooperation, supports drug-related
research and develops minimum standards for drug-related legislation
in member countries. CICAD also runs programs to bolster the ability
of member countries to curtail drug abuse and drug trafficking.
CICAD has recently
released a report on the growth of illegal internet pharmacies which
includes recommendations for dismantling these online trafficking
networks.
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