Strengthening Private Sector Engagement to Counter Synthetic Drug Trafficking

BACKGROUND AND PROBLEM STATEMENT:  Synthetic drugs can be manufactured virtually anywhere, in facilities ranging from sophisticated laboratories to remote hideouts. The extreme potency of synthetic drugs, including fentanyl and its analogues, allow criminals to reap high profits while trafficking in small volumes. Criminals adopt new production methods quickly to evade law enforcement detection, and are increasingly adjusting transit routes to exploit countries with limited enforcement and regulatory capacity. This adaptability increasingly challenges traditional enforcement paradigms. Traffickers now exploit the tools of modern global commerce to develop new methods for trafficking drugs and chemicals, including the use of internet-based marketing and sales, social media platforms, virtual currencies, and international postal and express consignment services. The perceived anonymity and convenience of the internet, including use of the “dark web” and encrypted peer-to-peer messaging, allow criminals to complete illicit transactions easily, often using unregulated cryptocurrencies, while also broadening their customer base. These modern tools afford traffickers greater physical security, lower operational costs, and reduced risk of arrest. As a result, a clear and urgent need has emerged for innovative ideas to prevent criminal exploitation of the tools of 21st century trade and to increase the difficulties associated with trafficking these drugs. New and enhanced partnerships between governments and the private sector globally play a critical role in preventative efforts to stop illicit synthetic production, diversion, and trafficking. Specific industries of interest include, but are not limited to, the chemical, pharmaceutical, express consignment shipping, postal services, e-commerce, social media, e-wallet and financial service providers, and drug manufacturing equipment industry sectors.

CHALLENGE: Secure private sector supply chains, digital platforms, and business practices from criminal exploitation, in a manner that is sufficiently cost-effective and time-efficient to attract private sector participation, including by strengthening information sharing and fostering innovative approaches to detecting criminal activity globally, or in a specified region.

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