Special Political and Decolonization Committee
International Drug Trade
The Republic of Turkey
Anika Deshpande
Forest Hills Eastern
The international drug trade is one of the biggest worldwide issues and many international groups have targeted it in an attempt to regulate and restrict the course of both legal and illegal drugs throughout the world. The United Nations has formed multiple agencies that make policies regarding illegal drugs, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The global drug problem is more acute today than ever before due to the expansion of the Internet where drugs are bought and sold easily online without concern for distance. Also aiding illegal drug trafficking is the growth of quick transportation methods and complex criminal operations through which drugs flow. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee must form a resolution to decide how authorities should combat the illegal drug trade and advocate for drug-free communities.
Turkey is faced with drug problems due to its location; Afghanistan, to the east of Turkey, is home to a large heroin production scene, and East Europe holds much of the demand for the same product, placing Turkey in the midst of that process. Turkey also is affected by methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine transit problems. In response to these issues, Turkey has focused mainly on supply-side reduction, with campaigns against domestic and street dealings as well as against international drug trade networks. According to the UNODC, the Turkish National Police have made almost 20% of global heroin seizures, and in 2016 confiscated almost 111,000 kilograms of marijuana. Turkey has also contributed to many major international anti-drug projects such as the UNODC and OSCE.
Turkey implores that other nations help support Turkey’s attack on the international drug problem, with the focus on demand-side reduction in addition to supply-side tactics. To lead this battle, Turkey recommends that the international community help finance international anti-drug organizations such as the UNODC and OSCE as well as increase international coordination in the movement against the illicit drug trade and use. The United Nations should establish an international medium with which to frame and reduce drug addiction globally. A resolution that targets the drug problem at the source with programs that educate people from all around the world about the dangers of drug abuse will drastically help regulate the international drug trade.
- Anika Deshpande
