Drug control: policies and practices of the International Criminal Police Organization

Drug trafficking and drug abuse are among the major social issues that the world has to grapple with. The far-reaching consequences of drug abuse in humanitarian, social and economic terms have led to intensive action on the part of Governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. The International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO/Interpol) plays a key role as the central command for the joint efforts of the national law enforcement agencies of its 158 member States. The present paper outlines the role of ICPO/Interpol, particularly its Drugs Sub-Division, in international drug control efforts. It includes a discussion of ICPO/Interpol policies and practices related to drug control and of recent developments in its information and communication capabilities.