14 December 1981

International campaign against traffic in drugs

The General Assembly,

Recalling the relevant provisions of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, as amended by the 1972 Protocol Amending the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, and the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances,

Concerned that, despite national, regional and international efforts, the illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is increasing in many parts of the world,

Recognizing that many States, including those that are not producers or significant consumers of illicit narcotics, are increasingly affected by the international drug traffic,

Bearing in mind that the extensive and increasing abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in many countries is directly linked to the volume of the traffic in illicit drugs into or through such countries,

Convinced that greater control over the production and distribution of narcotic raw materials and the reduction of the demand for illicit narcotics are necessary prerequisites for reducing the illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances,

Aware of the links between drug trafficking and organized crime, illegal acquisition of firearms, exchange control violations, customs offences, various forms of criminality and other serious problems of a socio-economic nature,

Affirming the need for increased surveillance and stronger penalties regarding the use of boats, aircraft and other means of transport of any type for illicit traffic in drugs,

Acknowledging that constraints of an economic and technical nature are obstacles to many developing countries in their fight against drug trafficking,

Convinced that any liberalization of national legislation with regard to the illegal possession of and traffic in narcotics will have a negative effect on international efforts to control the illicit traffic in narcotic drugs,

Conscious of the fact that drug abuse and the related trafficking present a threat to the health and social well-being of peoples, particularly youth, and endanger the national security, resilience and future of many countries,

Mindful of the important role of an informed public opinion in the struggle against drug trafficking, Bearing in mind United Nations programmes related to combating the problem of drug trafficking, in particular the international drug control strategy,

Acknowledging the need for a comprehensive international campaign against traffic in drugs,

1. Recognizes the need for an effective international campaign against traffic in drugs in the context of the international drug control strategy, which would involve activities at the national, regional and international levels, with particular emphasis on, inter alia:

(a) The enactment of effective national legislation and the strengthening of existing legislation against drug abuse, wherever necessary;

(b) The strengthening of regional efforts, with due regard to the specific problems and needs of each region;

(c) A review of the situation and needs of those States that are primarily transit States;

(d) The provision of technical and financial assistance to countries, particularly developing countries, whose limited resources are strained by their efforts to implement drug abuse control programmes;

(e) The strengthening of law enforcement efforts and increasing co-operation at the regional and international levels;

(f) A comprehensive information campaign on the hazardous effects of the abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and the dangers of drug trafficking, and on the positive achievements in this regard;

2. Requests the Secretary-General to transmit the present resolution to Member States, relevant organs of the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations for comments and proposals on an effective international campaign against traffic in drugs and to report, through the Economic and Social Council, to the General Assembly at its thirty-seventh session;

3. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its thirty-seventh session the item entitled "International campaign against traffic in drugs".