Social networks offer a new platform for the purchase of illicit drugs and also extol negative behaviors related to the use of these substances. This has been announced in its annual report by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), an entity backed by the United Nations Organization (UN), which has warned that there is increasing evidence of this dangerous relationship.
In the data collected in the publication of the INCB’s 2021 annual report, it is stated that social networks are promoting a glamorous and attractive vision of negative behaviors and the consumption of illicit substances, especially in young people, who are the majority group that use these media.
On the other hand, they believe that it is becoming easier to access the sale of cannabis, pain relievers subject to medical prescription and other substances that are controlled on these platforms. In addition, illegal sellers use tools such as mobile payments, digital currencies or electronic wallet services to facilitate and speed up the transaction of money and hide its origin and maximize profits.
The INCB has asked that governments start working to solve this situation, regulating the platforms and ensuring that the private sector moderates and regulates its digital media, in addition to limiting the advertising and promotion of all drugs that do not have a medical purpose. Jagjit Pavadia, president of the INCB has stated that “it is essential to face this situation, not only for current users, but also for future generations, who will use social networks in their daily lives.”
Measures against drug trafficking
In addition, it has also indicated that the legalization of cannabis for non-medical use contravenes drug control conventions and that in many cases decriminalization is being confused with the legalization of consumption, when legalization, decriminalization and decriminalization do not mean the same thing.
The INCB recommends that governments regulate social networks and control the advertising and promotion of drugs for non-medical use
The report highlights that drug trafficking and illicit financial flows related to it have negative consequences for society and development, as they increase poverty, corruption, violence, inequality and organized crime. So much so, that the annual losses in the hands of organized criminal groups are estimated at millions of dollars.
This loss of capital is especially important in countries that are developing and that need these funds to be able to boost economic growth. To address the negative effects and human losses caused by the drug trade, the INCB advises that governments take action against all stages of drug trafficking, from production and cultivation to the sale and laundering of illegal proceeds.
Countries are also urged to share information on organized crime at the international level, because, as Pavadia emphasizes, “illicit financial flows do not recognize borders or nationalities, so it is necessary to act collectively.”
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