Remarks by Head of the Russian delegation Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov at the 66th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Vienna, March 13, 2023

Mr Chair,

The world is going through dramatic transformations in many areas. It is clearer than ever now that the expansion of global drug trafficking is a common threat and fighting it is our joint responsibility.

The cornerstone goal of the Strategy of the State Anti-Drug Policy of the Russian Federation to 2030 is to rid society of illegal drugs. Interagency cooperation in this area focuses on creating among the public, especially young people, an informed negative image of drugs and instilling a sense of responsibility for their own health and health of other people. Early detection of drug addiction and encouraging drug addicts to undergo treatment are important elements of this work. Work is underway to develop legal regulations for social rehabilitation of former drug addicts.

Concurrently, tough measures are being taken to combat drug-related crime and money laundering. The penalty for selling and smuggling drugs in particularly large amounts has been increased. A legal barrier has been placed on selling new psychoactive substances. Criminal liability has been introduced for inducing other people to use illegal substances online and administrative liability for promoting them. The procedure for extrajudicial restriction of access to pro-drug information has been determined.

Russia is guided by the same principles in promoting bilateral and multilateral cooperation with its partners.

We welcome the determination of individual groups of countries and associations such as Central Asia and ASEAN to create drug-free regions. Initiatives like this one are an important step towards our common goal of eradicating global drug crime and building a drug-free society.

We note with satisfaction that in recent years the SCO has significantly built up its drug-combating capacity and continues to build, in conjunction with the CSTO, the CIS and CARICC, a barrier on the northern route that is used for smuggling Afghan drugs to Europe.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Narcotics Control Board help us fulfil our ambitious goals. Russia is supportive of their important mission and annually allocates $2 million in donor funds to this end.

The geographical and thematic coverage of our technical assistance to friendly countries is expanding. The competent Russian authorities continue to share best practices with their partners in stopping online drug crime and illegal financial flows, involving young activists in preventive work and increasing availability of narcotic painkillers, to name a few.

Mr Chair,

Unfortunately, not all states are willing to act responsibly when it comes to fighting drug abuse. For several years now, we have been witnessing a small group of Western countries acting as if they are entitled to not follow the corresponding conventions. Today, we are talking not only about legalising supposedly less harmful cannabis, but also about lifting bans on the use of dangerous substances such as methamphetamine and heroin.

Everyone can see the results of this thoughtless policy of permissiveness. It is no coincidence that these countries are faced with an opioid crisis involving an unprecedented number of fatalities. Does this sound like concern for public health? President Putin was clear recently when he said that “adult people can live as they choose <...> These are their problems, but we must protect our children against degradation and degeneration.” That is why Russia resolutely opposes the attempts to impose the values of drug liberalisation, which in practice translate into pandering to the interests of big business and even drug-related crime.

Mr Chair,

Next year, the Commission will conduct another review of international anti-drug cooperation. The effectiveness of this work will depend on our concerted actions, as well as the honesty and integrity of all countries without exception in fulfilling their obligations. Our primary goal is to save lives and keep people healthy and safe. Russia will continue to take steps to achieve this.

Thank you.