Iran General Statement at 69th Commission on Narcotic Drugs: 9 March 2026

Statement by H.E Reza Najafi Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran before the 69th Session of Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)

Statement by H.E Reza Najafi,

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran,

before the 69th Session of Commission on Narcotic Drugs

(Vienna, 9 March 2026)

 

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

 

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Secretary General of the Drug Control Headquarters, who couldn’t join us today, due to the heinous acts of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The ongoing atrocities, including killing of 175 elementary school girls and destruction of 14 hospitals by American and Israeli bombs, cannot be justified under any circumstances.

 

Mr. Chairman,

Let me begin by congratulating you, Excellency, on your election as the Chair and assure you of our full support. We also thank the Secretariat for organizing this session.

 

My delegation aligns itself with the statements of G77 and China as well as Asia pacific Group. We wish to provide the following observations in national capacity.

 

Excellencies,

The world drug problem is evolving in increasingly complex and alarming ways. Despite sustained efforts, we continue to witness rapid proliferation of new psychoactive substances, synthetic drugs, and their precursor chemicals. Also, trafficking networks are employing ever more sophisticated methods, posing challenges to national monitoring and control systems, as well as to the international drug control framework.

 

To address this problem, promotion of international cooperation is of paramount importance. Enhancing operational collaboration, reinforcing intelligence sharing mechanisms, promoting the exchange of best practices, improving early warning systems, expanding technical assistance, and provision of equipment and advanced technologies, are essential elements of such cooperation.

 

Moreover, balanced preventive and health-oriented strategies must be encouraged. Improving access to controlled substances for scientific and medical purposes, while effectively preventing diversion, should remain a priority. In this regard, exchange of the latest research findings and practical experiences shall be facilitated.

 

In recent years, successful regional mechanisms such as HONLEA, Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries, and the Triangular Initiative, have been constrained or only partially operational. Such initiatives need to be supported through predictable and adequate funding.

 

Impediments in addressing world drug problem, including unilateral coercive measures, have to be swiftly removed. Such unlawful measures increase financial and operational burden associated with implementing drug-related programmes and undermine the capacity of frontline states to effectively combat drug trafficking.

 

Mr. Chairman,

The Islamic Republic of Iran has adopted a balanced comprehensive approach to drug control that gives equal weight to supply and demand sides. It also includes special programmes for harm reduction and primary prevention.

 

For instance, in 2025, a total of 356 tons of illicit drugs were seized, 1,850 trafficking networks were dismantled, and 8,600 addiction treatment and harm reduction centres were operated.

 

My delegation planned to share a successful experience through the side event "The Experience of Iran in Harm Reduction and the Hope and Life Village Model" which unfortunately was cancelled due to the current situation in the region.

 

In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that addressing world drug problem is a shared responsibility. Only through genuine multilateralism, solidarity, and sustained commitment can we ensure a more secure, healthy, and resilient future for our societies.

 

I thank you