Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Claire Hinkel
School: Mattawan High School

The drug market has become present throughout the global trade market with no regulations as to how they are illicitly distributed. Safeguards need to be implemented to control these operations. This issue pertains to not only developing countries, but also to flourishing countries, like the Argentine Republic.

Because of Mexico and Colombia’s efficient counternarcotics efforts, many drug traffickers have chosen new routes through the Argentine Republic. With this rise in offense, the Argentine Republic has already been taking strides in the direction of eliminating the illicit drug trade. We have radars to report the activity of the illicit drug trade. We have also placed controls on essential chemicals, requiring that the distributors be registered to prevent drug trafficking.

The Argentine government could complement the recent deployment of additional radars in the northern border areas with human resources to ensure that increased detection of air shipments of narcotics crossing the Bolivian and Paraguayan borders results in increased interdiction on the ground. In addition, the Security Ministry could continue its efforts to optimize cooperation among the various federal and provincial law enforcement entities in order to enhance our effectiveness in combating the illicit drug trade. It would help to further improve judicial efficiency in case processing of narcotics-related investigations and prosecutions. We are interested in peaceful solutions and working together with other nations to further prevent the smuggling of illicit drugs.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Azerbaijan
Delegate Name: Max Sanders
School: Royal Oak High School

Over the past decade smuggling of illegal drugs has become a major issue in Azerbaijan. Due to the location of the country and the convenient location of the Caucasus Mountains (along the border between the Russian Federation, Georgia, and Azerbaijan), it has become a major transit for smuggling drugs from Afghanistan to Europe and Asia. Because of this the amount of drug users in Azerbaijan has significantly increased as well, According to the Office of Drugs and Crime in Baku, seizures of heroine “ready for market” in Azerbaijan rose from 20 kg in 2006 to 59,000 kg in 2009. The smuggling of illegal drugs is a very important issue for Azerbaijan.

Yury Fedotov, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office Drugs and Crime, said that the problem with the smuggling of illegal drugs can be solved in three steps:

“first, further acknowledgment is needed that tackling the drug trade is not the responsibility of only a handful of countries, but rather a joint problem requiring the collective action of the international community; second, while drug-related crimes are often local in nature, the solutions must be global, particularly given the nature of drug trafficking, which is at the centre of a shifting web of transnational organized crime; and lastly, the causal connections between drug trafficking and insecurity must be taken into account, specifically with regard to the production and trafficking of drugs, which undermine security and promote corruption, crime, terrorism and instability.”

Azerbaijan is in agreement with the statements from Mr. Fedotov. The problem of smuggling illegal drugs will only be solved if we work together to stop the producers, consumers, and traders of illegal drugs.

Azerbaijan participates in the World Customs Organization Container Control Program, the aim of which is to develop a network of border control cooperation units at various land and sea ports to stem the flow of drugs, precursors and other illegal goods. Azerbaijan confiscates 15-20% of all illegal drugs that are transported through the country and is working hard at increasing these numbers. Azerbaijan will continue to work at the prevention of illegal drug smuggling, but believes that everyone has to work together at an international level in order to rid ourselves of the problem.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Bolivia
Delegate Name: Elliott Rioux
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

In the last century, poverty stricken farmers in Bolivia relied on cultivating the coca plant as their main source of income. The Coca plant is used as a mild stimulant, producing the same effects as coffee/caffeine. But in it’s refined form; Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that has one major side effect, the ability to contract a heavy addiction. In the past century, Cocaine has plagued the Americas; cocaine addicts can be found on all 3 of the American continents. Bolivia understands that the drug cocaine is one hell of a drug, manufacturing, possession, and trafficking of Cocaine is illegal, but Bolivia cannot destroy one of its most well known agricultural goods, even though the presence of the coca plant has effected millions of lives of people and their families, it would condemn the lives of many struggling farmers within it’s borders. Bolivia’s stance is simply this, coca yes, cocaine no. Bolivia has taken actions to halt the production of Cocaine. Bolivia’s police force enforce laws against the production of Cocaine, and a special task force is dispatched by the Bolivian government to investigate suspected traffickers.

Bolivia works along side with it's neighbors in combating the trafficking of illegal drugs, Police forces of Bolivia are willing to work along side with any other nation who have leads on traffickers coming from Bolivia . Bolivia also has worked with the United Nations and was apart of some conferences revolving around the topic of halting the trade of recreational drugs.

Bolivia's attempts to arrest the criminals involved in the sales of recreational drugs during the transportation and the manufacturing of drugs. But because of policies relating to stopping the cocaine trade generally do not effect the farmers who cultivate coca leaves and sell them to cocaine manufactures, there should be an in-depth agreement between the farmers and a sector of the Bolivian government that focuses on seeing out that farmers who produce coca leaves are not permitted to sell huge quantities to criminal groups who turn it into cocaine. If policies in Bolivia become specified and regulated throughout the nation, then there will be a reduced amount of this drug reaching other countries.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: (Noah) Myung Chang Lee
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The illegal drug trade has been an international issue noted for its severity. The possession and smuggling of drugs pose a specific and murderous risk in that they cause increase in the rates of violent crimes from drug trafficking especially in poor neighborhoods. Illegal drug trade has often been viewed as a source of “easy money” due to its sudden, large profits. This problem of drug trade often goes hand-in-hand with the problem of illicit small arms trade due to the tendency of gangs forming for the drug trade. Brazil believes that the problem of illegal drug trade should be stopped in hopes of bettering the world tomorrow.

The weak and inefficient justice system in Brazil contributes to the crisis of morality and thus a higher risk of illegal drug trade; learning from that, we should strengthen the justice system in order to prevent the smuggling of illegal drugs and to reinforce ethics of work. However, Brazil has strengthened its regulations and enforcements in order to combat drug smuggling. Brazilian government also targeted cannabis through a large-scale eradication program. However, the vast, forested areas are much harder to track down and regulate. Moreover, a survey done by Gallup showed that 70% of the Brazilian residents answered positive for the presence of illicit drug trafficking or drug sales in the area where they live, and 74% of the Brazilian residents agreed that the sale of illegal drugs is increasing in the city or area where they live. Poor teenagers are often swayed by the notion of “easy money” to turn to drug dealing. To combat that, we must create a safer, better, and less poor environment for the youth.

Brazil is plagued by illegal drug trade in terms of drug shipments as the nation became as a place for significant illicit financial activity in the Tri-Border Area. Hence, to decrease the problem of illicit drug trade, states should target drug shipments to decrease the increase in trading and dependency of merchants on illegal drug trade in order to make their living.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Cameroon
Delegate Name: Vincent Hayes
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

In the past several years the amount of drugs being smuggled into Central Africa has skyrocketed, Cameroon is no exception to this newfound problem. Annual seizure rates have climbed from a few grams annually to hundreds of kilos annually in a couple of years. Our country, the Republic of Cameroon has done everything in its power to prevent to smuggling of the aforementioned contraband and would like to see other member nations increase their role in preventing the international trafficking of narcotics.

Cameroon strongly encourages fellow member nations of the U.N. to stand with us and heighten the security of our own borders and take an extra step in preventing the smuggling of drugs into any part of the world. We must remind these traffickers of the severe sanctions they face in partaking in the drug smuggling business and that no violation of any kind will be taken lightly in this matter. We also encourage fellow member nations to begin offering more drug counseling classes in hopes that we can lower the demands of these lethal substances within our own and every other nation’s borders.

The United Nations must take action in helping the start of these counseling programs and heightened security so that us member nations have an example to adhere to. We must stop the drugs at the source and encourage the member nations who are the larger exporters of the drugs to raise their war on drugs tenfold in an attempt to restrict the flow from the source.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Thomas Lunik
School: Fishers High School

Canada is attempting to increase its emphasis on the drug war with legislation passed in the middle of 2012. The Conservative party has led an attack on drug users and the drug industry, increasing the capacity for incarceration and drug task forces. Reasoning for this is to curb the spread of HIV and the dangerous cycle of drug users, which commonly contributes to theft and homicide, along with decreased economic productivity and increased healthcare costs. Taking this into consideration, the stance of Canada mostly aligns with every other country in the world: it is necessary to eradicate the smuggling of illegal drugs in order to erase the negative externalities of drug use along with the prevention of violent international crime. How Canada addresses this issue is also similar to other countries, mostly developed. In adding to the total amount of dollars and raw resources for the sole purpose of preventing the illegal import of drugs, Canada attempts to decrease the supply of illegal drugs in every country, in hopes of diminishing the effects of such a practice.

Over the past 20 years, most of the developed world has taken giant steps in reducing the amount of illegal drugs available to the general public, and Canada is no exception to such policies. The amount of citizens incarcerated due to drug related crimes has decreased sharply mostly since the implementation of strict drug laws, but also to the rehabilitation of drug users and drug dealers alike. Programs such as these are expensive though, and preventative measures deliver a much higher cost to benefit ratio in terms of real dollars. If drugs aren’t sold and demanded at such a high price, then the amount of drugs in a specific country will consequently decrease. Not only would such an event help tax payers of any given country, but would halt dangerous trade and smuggling of drugs internationally. A growth in methamphetamine and ecstasy production within Canada has no doubt led to a growing problem globally, but a certain number of traders only slightly contribute to a larger international crisis.

Canada is largely in favor of a global effort towards removing drug dealers and drug exporters from the street, no matter what the means are. This approach could be seen as futile, but the differences that could be made in a matter of at least a few months would be monumental, especially if there programs to also ease the withdrawal in users. Customs officials should be overseen by UN officials as corruption has often led to ineffective initiatives set forth by the ODC. Only oversight and a direct attack at the stem of the problem will be a solution to the overall problem that the global economy faces.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: China
Delegate Name: Jerimiah Neyland
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

The illegal drug trade of today is that of a dragon compared to the lizards of our past. With thousands of pounds of marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, and other illegal drugs being produced and sold every day. The issue of illegal drugs is one of great interest to the People’s Republic of China. Having passed very strict laws on drug trade and trafficking, we have taken the percentage of illegal drugs being brought into our state by a great percentage, whilst still remaining true to the constitution we have established. We are aware that there are several small nations who are using the profit from illegal drug trade to run their militaries and other essential national needs. This issue is of great importance to the People’s Republic of China, but only to a certain extent. It is to our understanding that with the growing drug cartels internationally, drug trade and the illicit arms trade go hand-in-hand.

China’s drug policy allowed for us to seize over 16 tons of crystal methamphetamine in a single year. A few years after, we made over 2,000 arrests of individuals who were marketing counterfeit and prescription drugs. The People’s Republic of China now wants to share our effective methods with the world in an attempt to reduce crime and war. By working with other countries and following the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we plan to pass international law that will cripple the illegal drug trade worldwide, including those places that fund themselves from illegal drugs.

The People’s Republic of China hopes to pass law and take action against individuals who are illegally marketing drugs. However, China does not want any involvement in a resolution that would impose on our national sovereignty. The People’s Republic of China would propose a crackdown on drug cartels worldwide, targeting individuals at the heads of these organizations to cripple the drug trade. Working with other states to stop drug smuggling between the two will be essential should we want to put an end to all drug trade.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Comoros
Delegate Name: Rachel Rusinowski
School: Royal Oak High School

The serious issue of the illicit smuggling of drugs has been noted by The Union of Comoros, and it is the opinion of Comoros that the smuggling of illicit drugs is a universal issue that affects many nations. The illegal smuggling and intent to distribute is a serious crime. The penalties for trafficking in illegal drugs in Comoros are strict, in which convicted offenders receive a mandatory minimum five-year jail sentence and heavy fines.

Comoros believes that the best way to attend to this issue is by reducing the demand for illicit drugs. Lowering the demand directly lowers the need for production and shipment of illicit drugs. By targeting the consumers of these illegal drugs, smuggling and production will cease, as there will be no demand for them. One way Comoros targets this issue is by the presence of drug courts in the country. Drug Courts are courts given the responsibility to handle cases involving substance-abusing offenders. Implementation of drug courts in other countries could possibly educate those on the seriousness of this issue, and how serious the punishments should be. Comoros believes that nations should increase their border security, as it will cut down on the smuggling of drugs into other countries. In order to internationally prevent the smuggling of illegal drugs, we need to work with other nations to strengthen and enforce laws on drug smuggling and use. Comoros believes that the only way to completely stop this serious issue is if nations work together to stop the consumers of illegal drugs.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Cuba
Delegate Name: Dakota Anderson
School: Mattawan High School

Illicit drugs are a major problem in the world today. Recognizing this, Cuba has taken action, and continues to work to solve the situation. Cuba, as a country surrounded by tropics and tourists, has the false image of an ideal country to smuggle drugs in and out of the country. This is because how Cuba control's its borders and its nation. Cuba regulates its waters quite regularly, and does the same with inside of its borders. Cuba, on top of having search teams, has a severe punishment for any type of drug trafficking, with jail sentences lasting up to twenty years. Through the years, Cuba has made a large effort to work with other countries to stop the spread of drugs. Cuba works with around forty other countries to monitor the spread, and hopes to continue this in the future. The efforts that the Cuban government have made have made a significant on the illicit drug trade.

While the current efforts Cuba has in place are quite effective, they are not perfect, with most of the illicit trade going to the United States. Cuban officials work hard to stop the flow of drugs, but could use help from the United States to stop the flow. Cuba feels that is necessary for countries to share the responsibility of stopping the flow of drugs. If countries can work together, than a big portion of this issue may be improved.

Cuba feels that is the responsibility of the state to make sure that it targets all drug organizations to catch the drugs before they are smuggled out of the country. Cuba also feels that this can be done by any means necessary, and that a specific section of either police officials or military should be designated to control the issue.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Denmark
Delegate Name: Jessica Dupree
School: Fishers High School

The Kingdom of Denmark strongly believes in the urgency of this issue. Drug trafficking is at an all time high across the globe and the trend keeps rising. As of 2009 there were at least 14, 250,000 cocaine users across the globe, and similar numbers for each different drug. This problem will not go away on its own and Denmark believes that the UN needs to band together in order to come up with a prevention to illegal drug smuggling.

The Kingdom of Denmark has taken the first steps in combating this issue in our own country. As of May, 2011 the Danish government has reinstated border checks along the borders of Sweden and Germany. "We are trying our best to take measures that will secure the best aspects of freedom of movement, and at the same time, not let criminal activity pass through freely," said Soren Pind, the Danish integration minister. This is something that can be applied to all nations with the proper cooperation from the neighboring nations. Denmark has faced opposition from the European Union, and strongly urges that the UN step in and help with prevention of illegal drug smuggling. Denmark is willing to cooperate with any of its neighboring nations with the issue of drug smuggling and the reinstatement of border checks.

Since Denmark joined the Schengen agreement, which allows passport-free travel throughout 22 of the EU's 27 member states, plus four others in 2001 border checks were suspended. Denmark feels that this agreement only increases the amount of drug users and drug traffickers. Since the implication of the Schengen agreement the number of drug users has steadily risen. Denmark believes that in order to prevent this, the UN needs to target the drug producers before targeting the consumers. Our drug laws are strict with serious consequences for serious offenders. Now marijuana is considered a problem although we feel focusing on opiates and manufactured drugs is more effective in combating drug problems so they have fines and severe jail time for possession or using. Denmark encourages the UN to focus on the opiates and manufactured drugs first and then move on to drugs such as marijuana in order to have a greater impact on illegal drug smuggling. Denmark believes that these measures that we have taken are extremely effective and need to be implemented around the world to every nation in order to fully combat the issue of drug smuggling.

Sources:

http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR2011/Global_and_regional_overview.pdf

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/denmark/8514180/Denmarks-defiance-over-frontier-controls-has-left-European-Union-bordering-on-crisis.html

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Dominican Republic
Delegate Name: Erin Powichroski
School: Mattawan High School

Most of the drug smuggling in the Dominican Republic comes by land from Haiti, which is just one more reason why this is not one of their allies. On top of illegal immigrants, smuggling drugs to the neighboring island has only hurt the communities. Also, being a very touristy country, many boats, helicopters, airplanes, and other means of transportation land on the island, making drug smuggling a very easy task. Cocaine is a major drug that is often smuggled to the innocent country.

Columbia was once the major Cocaine smuggler, but recently in the 1980s, many interdiction efforts began to clamp down on Colombian operations causing the smuggling to have to move to a different country, and the Dominican was an easy access for many smugglers. The easy access for the criminals in the Dominican became friendly with the criminals in Columbia and the smuggling began.

Current conventions can be improved in many ways. One way is a very obvious way of preventing ships to land on the shores of Dominican Republic. This could also prevent smuggling by increasing security for all states, not just the Dominican. Any transportation could be prohibited of landing on the island. Keeping these means of transportation would also cause less tourism, which would mean less money for the country, ultimately hurting the economy. Another way to improve the prevention of drug smuggling to the Dominican could be making allies with Haiti even though it may sound a bit crazy, it would ultimately cause the understanding between the two countries and reduce the smuggling from one to another.

Improving security is one way of preventing the smuggling but also increasing the punishment for being caught smuggling would eliminate many deaths due to the problem as well as problems with the economy and even communities. This can mean something as little as raising the fine or the time in prison from 20 years to a life sentence; with many people with families, this would mean giving up the world to them.

Also, by eliminating the materials used to smuggle drugs, smuggling will decrease because of the more work that will have to be put in in order to smuggle. With this in mind, preventing the smuggling of illegal drugs is very important to our country of the Dominican Republic.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Elizabeth Butterfield
School: Fishers High School

As a nation that has long been affected by the drug trade, the Arab Republic of Egypt supports any and all initiatives made by the U.N. to combat the smuggling of illegal drugs. However, it is also the belief of the Arab Republic of Egypt that the U.N. should take a greater role in the issue. In the past, the U.N. has failed to fully address the issue of drug trade and trafficking, and because of this, the presence of illegal drugs has risen. According to research gathered by this very committee, the global illicit drug market is worth more than $300 billion annually, and this worth is continuing to grow. Nearly every country in the world in 2012 reported seizures of illegal drugs to the UNODC (UNODC). Egypt was included in countries to report illegal drug seizures. Even though the Arab Republic of Egypt is not a major illicit drug producer, our nation has faced heavy drug traffic.

Due to geographic location, the Arab Republic of Egypt has become a major hub for the drug trade (U.S. Department of State). Illicit shipments of narcotics are made from Africa through Egypt to Europe and from the Middle East through Egypt to Africa. The Suez Canal, which has made trade easier, has specifically made the drug trade easier. The Arab Republic of Egypt is not a major consumer, producer, or supplier of illegal drugs; but still, our nation has felt their presence. Egypt has made efforts over the years to put a stop to the smuggling of illegal drugs into the country. The Drug Enforcement Administration (created in Cairo) works to put a stop to drug trafficking operations in Egypt. This administration also works with the Anti-Narcotics General Administrations (ANGA). Despite our efforts, with the wake of the revolution in our country, drug trafficking has increased immensely. The countries producing illegal drugs, like Libya and Sudan, have taken advantage of Egypt’s current situation to bring more drugs into the country.

The Arab Republic of Egypt feels that to protect countries from being subjected to drug trafficking, the U.N. must take action. The U.N. has failed to fully address the rising presence of illicit drugs throughout the world; and, Egypt feels that it is not only time the U.N. discusses the issue, but that they also come up with solutions to this problem. The Arab Republic would like to suggest bringing security to the country’s borders, so as to prevent much of the drug trafficking that is occurring. Until the U.N. addresses the issue of drug trade and trafficking, it shall remain a global presence.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: France
Delegate Name: Ann Blessman
School: Royal Oak High School

France would like to take this opportunity to address severity of the illegal drug trade in the world today and acknowledge how vital it is that the United Nations comes to a solution on how to combat the smuggling and trading of illegal drugs universally. Currently, France is acting to decrease the drug trade by gaining knowledge of the location for the supply of drugs within France, as well as offering treatment for those who are victims of drugs abuse in hopes that the demand for drugs decreases. Also, France is working further to gain knowledge by increasing methods of monitoring the drug trade, such as generating permanent survey machinery to evaluate the popularity of the use of certain illegal drugs.

France is also in full cooperation with other countries to combat the smuggling of drugs worldwide. As stated in France’s Drug Policy, France is working with the objective of redefining French topographical priorities as a function of the flow of drug traffic and prioritizing collaborating with Russia, South-East Asian countries, and Ukraine in effort to reduce supply and demand of drugs in relation to these areas. France’s focus has been more on targeting the consumers and shipments of illegal drugs. France has tracked shipments to monitor where and who the consumers are, and where the shipments are from. However, France fully understands and appreciates the importance of directing actions toward producers as well, and looks forward to exerting more effort in this department as well. France is in full support of European drug prevention quality standards, and France believes that working together with the UN to find resolutions to best fit every nation in the UN is the best way to combat the smuggling of illegal drugs.

In order to make these procedures effective, France has established treatment centers that provide three types of services, including: (i) outpatient care, (ii) inpatient care, and (iii) treatment for prison inmates. This will reduce demand for illegal drugs and minimize the smuggling of illegal drugs altogether. France understands how important it is to work with other countries (especially in Europe) to combat smuggling of drugs between countries. France wholeheartedly hopes to pass resolutions that will increase control of the drug trade, yet minimize the impact of smuggling of illegal drugs internationally.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Eboni White
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

It is the Federal Republic of Germany’s opinion that the illegal use of drugs is an international health issue, however the smuggling and intent to distribute illegal drugs is a crime. The illicit drug trade is a profitable endeavor, second only to the illicit trade of arms. Therefore, the best way to combat the smuggling of drugs is to remove the profit from it by reducing the demand. Germany is currently working with the rest of the European Union to solve this problem. Some of our efforts include increasing the penalty for illegally smuggling drugs and increasing the amount of resources to provide the border control necessary to stop drug trafficking. We have also been working closing with local police departments, educating them and monitoring drug usage. The Federal republic of Germany also has increased the number of health centers available to individuals so that they may seek treatment for their addictions. With the help of the United Nations, Germany hopes to improve public health and to reduce demand.

In order to prevent the smuggling of drugs internationally we cannot just simply reduce demand and improve public health, we must also work as an international community to provide alternative industries and markets to developing nations where narcotics is a large and illegal industry as well as a major part of the economy. Therefore, many of Germany’s activities and projects focus on establishing and fostering of institutions in Afghanistan, South-West and Central Asia, the Andean states, and increasingly, in West Africa. This means partnering with their police departments and educating the people. It is through these means that Germany hopes to create a balanced policy on preventing and combating the smuggling and trafficking of drugs.

Lastly the Federal Republic of Germany will endorse any resolution that focuses on international and regional cooperation, targeting drug shipments and drug producers. It is important to reiterate that those addicted to illegal substances should be viewed as victims and that it is a matter of public health. Thus, we will not endorse any resolution calling for strong or harsh punishments against illegal drug consumers.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: India
Delegate Name: Thiago Echeverria
School: Forest Hills Central High School

When the hallucinogen plants were discovered by the Europeans, it's use went from medical or religious purposes to a more leisure or pleasant definition. The effects caused by them resulted to be stimulating or soothing, far beyond from being achieved with the use of other things. As it market in Europe grew bigger, large plantations in the most proficient and most-likely to grow regions of the world were developing the raw material such as coca leaf into a chemical compound as cocaine, opium poppies into heroin, cannabis into marijuana. Nowadays, with the "Western influence", this market, especially in Europe and America has developed a large demand. Because of its malignant collateral effects, the use of this drugs has been forbidden, which let the prices of this illegal substances to rise over the skies. Along the countries that produce drugs, drug lords who possess the business, gained by the money the drug industry gives them, abuse over the low resources farmers, threatening them and introducing them by the force into the "system". Organizations such as the DEA are monitoring the drug transportation around the world and confiscating with the cooperation of the national governments. In the actuality, the UNODC is encouraging nations to cooperate in sharing intelligence and on acting with the cross-border operations within countries with no resources to fight this evil, as established in General Assembly resolution 66/183. The countries who mostly share this problem are Colombia, Mexico, most of Central Asia and some others spread over Southeast Asia and Africa( all which are developing countries).

India, because of being between two major opium producers, suffers more of illegal drug transportation and shipment, which is described in the lack of enough border control. Between the several drugs are passed illicit through India are heroin, cocaine and marijuana. Because criminal nets work throughout India, the population seldom suffer of drug abuse disorder, corruption amongst low rank government officials and money laundering. Because the number of drug addicts overpass the 3 million citizens, the government of India has taken several actions towards border control and internal drug possession. It has been part of several agreements such as the Single Convention of Narcotics and has approved resolutions for global cooperation.

As stated on resolution 66/183, India will be willing to approve any resolution that shows cooperation over cross-border actions and the sharing of intelligence information. Many actions must be taken, varying from more border protection as well as the eradication of raw plantations. India truly believes in the benign use of drugs, but it can not be achieved unless the criminal and illicit use of it is eliminated.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Spenser Solys
School: Roeper School

The Republic of Indonesia acknowledges that there is an emerging illicit drug problem in our nation. In opposition to the ever-growing illegal drug production and trafficking, Indonesia’s National Narcotics Law was approved in 2009, giving the Indonesian National Narcotics Board (BNN) increased power to combat illicit drugs and the related problems. Also, while drug usage has typically been connected with the larger cities in Indonesia, it is now spreading to smaller villages. Indonesia also recognizes that the majority of the nation’s drug users are between the ages of 15 and 39 years. The Republic of Indonesia would also like to point out that there is a significant gender gap related to illicit drug consumption. Drug usage among males is drastically higher than among females in nearly all nations. In Indonesia, male drug usage is about ten times higher than that of females.

The Republic of Indonesia also acknowledges that illegal drugs are not the only part of the problem. The money that is generated due to this trade is used to finance terrorists, organized crime, and local violence, all of which hurt the global society. Not only does the illicit drug trade have a negative impact on the majority of its users, it can also have a major economic impact on a portion of society.

While Indonesia does have its own problems with the illicit drug trade, we also recognize that we are not the only nation with these growing problems. The Republic of Indonesia believes that many nations are facing the same issues it is and is in favor of international collaboration and cooperation to combat this ever growing problem. To this end, Indonesia is willing to work with all nations to set measures to improve surveillance, monitoring, inspection, of humans and cargo; to share information among all nations’ law enforcement and drug control officials reduce; to counteract bribery and corruption that facilitate the drug trade; and to adopt more timely and effective legal sanctions to deal with the illicit drug trade. Indonesia calls on all nations to be forward thinking in adopting cooperative measures toward to counteract illicit drug trade.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Jackson Zuhl
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The smuggling of illegal drugs is a growing problem that is only expected to increase in coming years. Israel has already taken much action to prevent and or check the smuggling and trade of illegal drugs along its borders and within the country itself. Multiple programs have been established to enforce laws created regarding illegal drug smuggling: the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (DDO), and created inside the DDO the Israel Anti-Drug Authority (IADA) was founded which coordinates cross-ministerial development, management and implementation of all anti-drug activity. The borders are tightly regulated to minimize the smuggling of illegal drugs from foreign nations. The Israeli/Egyptian border is one that is heavily monitored for Israel has seized over 600kg or Marijuana and over 650 kg of Hashish in 2011 alone.

Israel would like to see the United Nations create resolutions constituting more regulation of the creation and distribution of illegal drugs globally. Israel understands that developing nations often turn to the manufacturing and selling of illegal drugs to ignite their economy, and encourages these nations to deter from their production for it often creates crime as well as promoting the use of these harmful drugs. Although Israel seeks to reduce the smuggling of illegal drugs, it wishes to see drugs such as Marijuana used for medicinal purposes, if and only if there are strict regulations on the production and consumption of this drug.

The state of Israel is deeply concerned with the future of drug networking around the world. Israel feels that a worldwide approach to the discontinuation of the creation of these illegal drugs is the most effective way to stop illegal drug smuggling. This can only happen with the complete cooperation with as many countries willing to participate as possible. As more countries agree to regulate and or stop the creation of illegal drugs, Israel believes the world will see a positive change with less drug smuggling globally.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Magda Hlavacek
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Drug trafficking not only spreads harmful substances around the globe but also promotes other heinous acts such as sex trafficking and violent organized crime. Thus, quelling the illicit drug trade is of utmost importance to Italy.

As a nation who has struggled with organized crime in the past, Italy is especially concerned about the illegal mobs associated with the drug trade. Currently, Italy's Bureau of Organized Crime has a strong system to track drug trafficking and the organized crime that goes along with it. This system involves specialized justice systems and police, undercover agents, wiretaps, and monitored deliveries. One feature of our system us the use of seized assets. Once assets are seized from organized crime groups, they are distributed to government programs and non-profit organizations. Thus, drug trafficking groups are financially weakened while the people of Italy benefit. Italy has also been active in helping reduce the drug trafficking problem in other parts of the world as well, helping train police officers in Central America.

Italy supports strong global tactics to help reduce drug trafficking. Even if each country is well equipped to reduce the drug trade, trafficking spreads across borders, and thus cooperation between nations is needed to be truly effective. Italy believes that producers, traffickers, and users should be held accountable. As for possible tactics, Italy recommends developing training programs to ensure that each interested nation has a strong police force specially trained to combat those involved with drug trafficking. With each nation following similar guidelines and using similar techniques, we can better work together to reduce the illicit drug trade.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Jamaica
Delegate Name: Jason Talley
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

As one of the middle men in the illegal drug trade in the world, Jamaica believes that it has a lot to offer in the solution of drug trade across the globe. First off I'd like to begin talking about how the culture of Jamaica presents itself to be pro drug trade. This is false, because Jamaica believes that supporting drug trade will only lead to other illegal activity such a small arms trade. Secondly Jamaica and its people a sick and tired of the constant bashing of its rasta people. Just because 1/16th of the Jamaican people are rastas this doesn't mean the the entire country represents its ideals and beliefs. Jamaica feels as if it gets a bad rep because of its previous past. But rest assure that things have started to change for the country of Jamaica. And lastly Jamaica thinks that its the duty of other countries to help one an other when it comes to the trading of drugs between those countries. If another country catches word of another countries involvement withing the exportation and deportation of drugs between countries, it should be the other countries job to prevent its countries people to be involved within that kind of behavior. Because Jamaica feels its the whole worlds responsibility to watch out for its fellow countries in order to create a safer place for everyone to live, not just people of your country but for others who are visiting your country and who might want to make a life for themselves there.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Sally Wolf
School: Fishers High School

Japan views illegal drugs to be a serious threat to safety and wellbeing. Despite harsh punishments and low numbers of drug usage relative to other developed nations, Japan has witnessed a recent rise in drug use. Japanese officials are taking this threat very seriously, and believe that if the United Nations could reduce international trade or illegal drugs, rates of Japanese drug use would ameliorate.

While less than 3% of Japan’s population has done drugs and drugs in Japan are among the most expensive in the world, there has been a dramatic and troubling increase in drug use. The most common users are in their twenties. Many began experimenting with drugs while visiting other countries, especially in Southeast Asia. Amphetamines are the most overwhelmingly prevalent, and cocaine, LSD, heroin and marijuana are present enough to cause concern. Disturbingly, middle school children have become increasingly likely to start inhaling glue or solvents, and later moving on to amphetamines. Japanese government is very concerned.

Drug users often purchase their products over the internet. The majority of drugs available in Japan come from other countries, including China and other parts of Asia, despite measures taken to prevent drugs from entering Japan. All mail or persons entering the country are carefully inspected for illicit drugs, and the consequences of attempting to bring illegal drugs into Japan are very steep. Even a first time offender may be subject to large fines, being held without bail, and years in prison, depending on whether they were dealing or using. Additionally, to be convicted of drug use puts an individual at risk for losing their job, their position at a school, and their reputation as a whole. Foreigners are not granted tolerance for ignorance.

Japan is very interested in developing more effective strategies to combat drug. Japan has supported previous actions by the United Nations that combated international illegal drug trade. This issue needs to be handled by both drug producing and drug consuming nations, and a certain level of international cooperation combined with encouraging stricter internal legislation will effectively reduce the international drug trade and the associated violence. Programs to increase public awareness of the dangers of drug use within nations would be an important way to prevent the proliferation of the drug trade. Availability of treatment within nations would be helpful in reducing internal demand, and consequently internal supply. With that being said, drug use warrants the least amount of resources and concern. Nations should prioritize stopping drug production, and then drug shipment, with a relatively small focus on reducing drug use. Harsh legal repercussions and devoting government resources to finding and arresting drug producers and dealer are viable options as methods to discourage drug production and drug dealing. If there are no drugs available, the issue will be effectively combated.

The best method of combating illegal drugs is not to make these dangerous substances legal. They are illegal with the intention of the government protecting citizens from the associated risks to both health and social structures.

"Japan." Travel.State.Gov. Bureau of Consular Affairs, US Department of State, 4 Sept. 2012. Web. 11 Nov. 2012.

Tan, Tony. "The Cabin: Chiang Mai." Statistics of Japan's Rising Drug Use. Change to Change, 29 Aug. 2012. Web. 11 Nov. 2012.

"UN Anti-drugs Chief: Fighting Crime and Illicit Drug Trade Must Be on Development Agenda." UN News Centre. United Nations, 26 June 2012. Web. 11 Nov. 2012.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Lesotho
Delegate Name: Grace Houtrouw
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

While the smuggling of illegal drugs is commonly viewed as a major problem and drug related policies are being put in place around the world to try and fight corruption caused by the trade, the production and transportation of Cannabis in the Kingdom of Lesotho is necessary for our country to remain economically stable. On average, 28% of a single household’s income is brought in from growing and selling Cannabis. In the Kingdom of Lesotho, the people have limited options; they can work in minefields, grow Cannabis, or breed livestock. As stated by Franco of Strain Hunters Africa Expedition:

"Basically, it's a crop that can save the children of the poorest areas of the planet and the people perceive the crop as a positive one. They know it's a plant. They know it's not a poison. It's not a hard drug. They know that it's just a way to keep their families alive without harming the planet."

Drug related policies are increasing monetary policies and prison sentences in most parts of Africa for the production and transportation of Cannabis, but farmers in our country have receded deeper into the mountains and continue to produce it. The production of Cannabis in the Kingdom of Lesotho helps feed a large majority of our population, and is recognized by both the citizens and local law enforcement for its economic and medicinal benefits, regardless of International Drug Policy.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Malawi
Delegate Name: Erin Lynn
School: Royal Oak High School

The trade of illegal drugs and its effects are worldwide problems. In all nations, drugs are responsible, both directly and indirectly, for violence and many deaths. The portion of the trade that has the most effect, however, depends on the nation. In first world countries, most drugs have already come from the producers and are going first to dealers and then to the users. Deaths usually come from either fights between dealers trying to control their area of the market, or from the effect of the drugs themselves. On the other hand, in third world countries, such as Malawi and its neighbors, the problems come from growers and producers of drugs and those who transport them to other places. Violence can often stem from similar routes as with dealers, competition between transporters to gain control.

In order to prevent the smuggling of drugs, committee should work at the producer end, trying to stop the market by impeding the profits that can be made. A large amount of drugs come from countries in Central and South America, Southeast Asia, or Africa, and are sent to countries with a high living standard, where sellers can get the most profit. It would be logical that if the demand for drugs—the number of drug users—was reduced, the sale of illegal drugs would plummet.

We members of the committee could also reduce the amount of drugs that are produced. Many drug growers and producers, some of whom are in Malawi, with its fairly large production of marijuana, are otherwise lawful people, who do what they do because it’s the best way they have to make a living. If this committee could find other crops for growers to grow or other items for manufacturers to produce, it would concurrently reduce the drug supply and put many nations’ human resources to better use. This would also help blunt most backlash from the previously mentioned near-elimination of the demand for drugs.

Malawi looks forward to working with the rest of the committee on this topic, and hopes other nations will consider the solutions that it has proposed.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Saranya Sundaram
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Mexico, though it acknowledges its problems with illicit drug trafficking, would foremost like to make known that the drug market IS illegal within the country.

Though Mexico, along with other countries, suffers from violent drug wars, it would like to emphasize the government and national disapproval of trafficking practices. Mexico works closely with its neighbor to the north, the United States, in order to control this rampant “drug war” involving guerilla mafias and powerful drug lords.

Mexico has tried every possibility in terms of lawmaking in order to control these drug lords and gangs. However, such parties are difficult to reason with: implementations of certain restrictions that aim to limit movement of these illicit drugs have created problems in new places along key border areas. For example, the implementation of the Mexican security strategy in 2006 affected the supply of cocaine heading north, but also initiated the conflict along the border between Guatemala and Honduras.

Thus, Mexico believes that new strategies in terms of control must be put forth: strategies other than simple lawmaking and border control. If new solutions and regulations could be proven effectual, Mexico would be inclined to implement such strategies in terms of dealing with their own illicit drug market. In all, Mexico recognizes its own contributions to the problems with illicit drug trade, but welcomes new solutions and aid that aims to control its problems.

Mexico also believes that though it suffers these problems, smuggling flows have been concentrated in the countries least able to deal with them. The challenge is to address impunity and corruption, while strengthening the capacity of law enforcement and criminal justice.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Mongolia
Delegate Name: Madeline Bolton
School: Royal Oak High School

Mongolia and the UNDOC recently signed a joint statement of cooperation in dealing with drug control and crime prevention. The UNDOC will be helping Mongolia with laws that tackle illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. There is no production of illegal drugs in Mongolia. A very small percentage of people in Mongolia use drugs, and those who do use it, use imported drugs from neighboring countries. Mongolia's main program that combats illegal drug use is the National Program for fighting Narcotics and Drugs, adopted in March 2000. The program prevents drug addiction, drug related crimes, it also created a legal basis about illegal drugs, installed a counternarcotics policy, and increases public awareness of the drug abuse.

To effectively combat the issue of illegal drug smuggling, the demand for drugs needs to be eliminated first. With no demand, there is no reason for drug producers or drug shipments. Mongolia suggests that countries implement harsh punishments for illegal drugs users, and also to educate youth in the effects of illicit drugs. Media could also be used to facilitate the education of people on the effects of drugs. This will deter the need for drugs and thus deter production and trade of illegal drugs. It is also necessary for the Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances to meet at the least every 2-4 years. Communication and international cooperation is key in addressing any issue. Additional help should be given to those developing countries, either by the UNDOC, UN, or by other nations. Mongolia suggests that with aid and other nation's experience, concrete regulating organizations be put in place. This simple first step can make great improvements to the prevention of smuggling of illegal drugs.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Anthony Gonzales
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

While the Netherlands, mainly Amsterdam, does allow the use of "soft drugs" they are very much against the use of "hard drugs such as cocaine and LSD. The Netherlands does allow for the use the use of "soft drugs"(cannabis)as well as the sale of cannabis. However the sale of these drugs are closely monitored and can only be done in controlled enviroments such as coffee shops. However when dealing with any sort of "hard drug" including: Cocaine, LSD, Morphine,and heroin are all forbidden in the Netherlands. Also recently added this list of illegal drugs are hallucinogenic mushrooms. The Dutch also believe that the best way to prevent drug abuse is through educational measures. Overall the Dutch dont mind the use and sale of "soft drugs" as long as it is closely monitored and done in a controlled enviorment. But, the use and sale of any "hard drugs" is expicitly illegal and forbidden in the Netherlands like most other countries in the world.

The Netherlands believes that to stop the use and sale of these illegal drugs is to get stop it at its source. The Netherlands asks that the UN should go after the producers of these "hard drugs" to try ans stop the sale and trafficking of these drugs. The producers of these drugs should be found and dealt with accordingly. Without the drugs being produced then they can not be sold and would thus cut down on the amount of illegal drugs flowing into the country. The Netherlands is very willing to work towards stoping the sale and trafficking of these "hard drugs".

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Ryan Ferris
School: Mattawan High School

Nigeria has become a transit hub for many drugs including cocaine, cannabis, heroin, and amphetamines. With this level of illegal drug trades comes massive amounts of money laundering. This is unacceptable. So Nigeria has taken many steps to stop the money laundering process in that we have been taken off of the Non Cooperative Countries and Territories by the United Nations. Which is an extremely huge success.

The current possess could be improved by further restrictions of drug trade, and the increase in harshness of punishments. This would be one of the largest deterrents of members of the illigal drug trade community. Also more funds toward programs made to hunt down and stop the trafficking of the illegal drugs. Also a Zero Tolerance policy should be implemented to show that any trade is unacceptable. Every state should be on their own to target drug manufacturers and traffickers.We believe that each state should be as automass as possible so each state need to be in full control of what they find best to deal with the illicit drug trade problem.

Nigeria believes that we should target the consumers of all illicit drugs. Without the consumer of these harmful narcotics the producers will loose any purpose to create their harmful product and all other operations will cease to exist. We view the consumer as the metaphorical head of the snake. If we cut of the head the snake cannot function and therefore will no longer be a problem.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: North Korea
Delegate Name: Lauren Carr
School: Williamston High School

The illicit drugs trade has destroyed the economies of many countries and the drugs themselves have destroyed millions of lives and families. The drugs involved in these trades are heroin, cocaine, marijuana, tobacco, and methamphetamines. Even though the illicit drugs trade is all over the world, it must be stopped before even more countries are involved and more lives and families are destroyed.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea shows no interest in stopping the illicit drugs trade. Both the drugs trade and small arms trade have proven to be a crucial part to the survival of our economy. Without either of these illicit trades, our economy would be ruined and the DPRK would meet a bitter end. Along with the illicit arms trade, higher officials in the government and the military are involved in these trades. As a result, we do not need to be secretive about these trades.

The DPRK would propose keeping the regulations the way they are or making them more lenient to these types of trades so we can continue our trades without any dilemmas. If countries that are not involved in the illicit drugs trade wish to be an obstacle for our part in the trades such as the United States of America, we will use any force deemed necessary. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea would expect to find allies in other countries involved in the illicit drugs trade such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Somalia, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Venezuela, Columbia, Bolivia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Burma.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Norway
Delegate Name: Tyler Goerge
School: Mattawan High School

The country of Norway recognizes that the issue of illegal drug trafficking is a growing concern around the world and that such activity can lead to violence and fear. Norway has been a part of the growing movement to stop such drugs activity as an active member of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

Norway is currently putting forth a successful plan of action against the illegal drug trade. Penalties placed upon those found to be importing and selling these drugs are severe, deterring those that are on the brink of the drug trade away from it. Norway’s drug-related crime rate is higher than many nations, but this is because of its extreme laws. Thus, citizens are imprisoned for drug use when they may not be in other nations, contributing to the high rate of crime. Once convicted, Norway believes that a citizen should have a legitimate chance of being reformed, an occurrence that is unlikely in harsh prison systems. Norwegian prisons place emphasis on rehabilitation because of this, and such practices are certainly effective: about 20% of inmates return to prison, compared to 50-60% in other Westernized nations.

In these practices, both the drug smugglers and the consumers are targeted. Norway believes this to be the successful approach to targeting the drug problem around the world. In handing the smugglers and traffickers extreme penalties if caught, such people will be more likely to cease their behavior because of their fear of extreme prison sentences. The consumers are also targeted, but in a different way; Norway understands that addictions can take hold of one’s life, so it offers such people extensive rehabilitation possibilities. Through these centers, the consumers of illegal drugs can be weaned of their addictions and reduce the market for such drugs. Norway looks forward to working with other members of the Office of Drugs and Crime in solving this issue.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Michael Deneroff
School: Roeper School

With Pakistan’s proximity to Afghanistan (the largest producer of opiates in the world), Pakistan realizes that it is vulnerable to the smuggling of illegal drugs. The two main types of drugs that pose problems for Pakistan are opiates and cannabis. Pakistan has cracked down on the opium produced in our country, though opiates (specifically heroin) remain a large problem for Pakistan along with the rest of Asia as long as Afghanistan continues to produce immense amounts of opiates. Pakistan has also taken major steps towards decreasing the amount of cannabis (namely hashish) produced in Pakistan by destroying 1000 of the 1700 hectares of land being used to cultivate hashish that the UNODC has reported. Pakistan cooperates fully with the UNODC, and plans to continue to do so.

A major problem in Pakistan’s effort to fight the smuggling of illegal drugs is that a majority of Pakistan’s defense budget is allocated towards defending the nation from insurgent groups. Pakistan believes that to prevent the smuggling of illegal drugs, international support and cooperation are needed. Pakistan has established the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) to fight drug smuggling (from neighboring nations in south-west Asian nations, and also trans-shipments from south-east Asian nations) and drug consumption throughout Pakistan. The most recent action Pakistan has taken towards a long-term solution for preventing the smuggling of illegal drugs was establishing an ANF academy that tremendously aids the fight against narcotics training over 1000 ANF officers within the first year. This is symbol of international cooperation as this academy was partially funded by the United States, Australia, and the UNODC.

Pakistan understands that the smuggling of illegal drugs is a serious issue throughout the world. International cooperation is a necessity to this smuggling throughout the world, but national initiatives are also required. Pakistan looks forward to working with all nations to find a way to further prevent the smuggling of illegal drugs.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Palestine
Delegate Name: Psalm Bingham
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

Territories have never been classified among the countries known for heavy use and trafficking of drugs, unlike some other Arab countries, such as Egypt and Lebanon. Prior to 1967, the number of people known to use drugs was listed in dozens; at that time, the West Bank was under Jordanian control and statistics available from the Global Report on Drugs showed no narcotics production or trafficking. Large amounts of morphine and heroin being smuggled from Turkey and Lebanon through Jordan to Egypt, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states after the Six Day War. The start of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip; the occupied territories became fertile ground for smuggling and use of all types of illegal substances.

Increased drug use and abuse in Israel, especially post-1967, affected the Palestinian community across what was a relatively open border between the Zionist state and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Workers from the occupied territories crossed into Israel daily; around 75% of known drug addicts in Palestine were people engaged in occupations in Israeli factories, farms and even settlements. Jerusalem’s central location made it an almost ideal location for the distribution of illegal drugs.

Although the use of the drugs can not be controlled, the shipment of the drugs entering the country can. Palestine is working towards all its means in preventing this spread in our country. Finding the suppliers and the producers of this will help stop the spread of the illegal substances in Palestine.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Katy Petersen
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The Philippines has a serious issue with illegal drugs in our country. We recognize the problem as very serious and are doing much to combat it in our own country. We currently are prosecuting any government officials connected to the illegal trade and money contributions made by known drug lords. We are working hard to eliminate the problem in our country and have been agreeing with any suggested solutions made by allies and the United Nations. We as a country are handling the internal problem and are confident in the cases recently being brought to our attention. The Philippines has a serious local growing problem and also recognize our location as a transit country as well as a destination point for drugs.

We think that the best way to combat the smuggling of illegal drugs internationally to better protect borders. We know that this is a previous suggestion but see no other way to help eliminate the problem. The Philippines has a large maritime border that is very hard to patrol but heavily urge programmes to fund better surveillance technology. Also harsher sanctions on countries that do not comply with United Nations organizations and committees. The fight against traffickers and smugglers has been going on for quite some time and has used quite a lot of resources. Countries struggling with their economy can no longer keep up and there has to be cooperation by everyone affected.

We believe that this council can be productive in initiating new and harsher sanctions and bettering the current border protect and international cooperation. The United Nations have dealt with this issue before and do not think that much more can be conducted to prevent the problem. It is of great concern to our country however that the problem be stopped at once. We will thoroughly agree to all terms and conditions set forth by the committees and councils heading the progression.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Elizabeth Allen
School: Fishers High School

The Russian Federation has been a large drug trafficking country for many years. A study from 1999-2001 showed that there was a large empirical hierarchy in the drug trading world of Russia, which lead the Office of Drug and Crime to give immediate assistance to the country. Much of the drug trade going on in Russia today is used in order to bring drugs to Western Europe, but since the 1990s, the number of Russian drug users has increased by 400 percent. This was one of the large effects felt after the Soviet Union fell from power. In most of Russia, multi-tiered production and distribution of drugs is occurring to keep trade thriving, and because of this, trade has grown and users are now buying from dealers instead of making them themselves. Surprisingly, the Russian Mafia has not been a large issue in drug trade, with it being mostly operated by lone workers or small groups.

Many people throughout Russia have decided that this drug trade is in a ‘grey area’ of sorts, that it cannot be considered an organized crime. While this may be the thought process of some of the Russian people, Russian representatives have joined the forces of the UN in order to help stop the spread of illegal drugs, through The World Drug Report, among other things. AIDS have become a hefty problem over the past 30 years, and with the spread of illegal drugs, this problem is only becoming worse. Many of the campaigns Russia supports include an anti AIDS and anti drugs smear in order to try to convince the public that doing these drugs could cause more harm than originally even thought. In the past, the Office of Drug and Crime has been involved in preventing the spread of drugs any further through a study in 1999 that ran through 2001 in order to test and observe the spread and trade of illegal drugs throughout Russia. These tests came back and stated blatantly that The Russian Federation was in need of assistance from the United Nations.

The Russian Federation wants to combat the spread of drugs and drug trade in order to protect their people from further damages caused by this. We propose Scaling up and improving access to HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs for injecting drug users and in prison settings in the Russian Federation, which has been an ongoing project for Russia for numerous years. Our goal is to provide drug rehabilitation and increase HIV/AIDS prevention. The best way to do that is by stopping the use of intravenous drugs. Russia asks the United Nations to help spread smear campaigns for drug use, in order to help convince the public of the drug issues. Also, security at the borders, as well as throughout areas with large drug trade problems, needs to be increased. This is a problem that more than just Russia have been facing, and with widespread campaigns and United Nations security backing for all countries with large illegal drug trade, this problem could decrease to record levels of drug free members of your country. Russia believes that any continued treaty agreements that can be met at the United Nations meeting would be beneficial to take into consideration in order to increase security and benefit the people of The Russian Federation.

Works Cited

"E-Ariana – Todays Afghan News." E-Ariana – Todays Afghan News. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2012. <http://www.e-ariana.com/ariana/eariana.nsf/allDocs/994B68ADA8903BF88725711800460D2B?OpenDocument>.

"Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Criminal Law." Drug Trafficking (Russia). N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2012. <http://www.mpicc.de/ww/en/pub/forschung/forschungsarbeit/kriminologie/archiv/drug_trafficking.htm>.

Paoli, Letizia. Illegal Drug Trade in Russia: A Research Project Commissioned by the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention. Freiburg I. Br.: Edition Iuscrim, 2001. Print.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Rwanda
Delegate Name: Kelsi Conroy
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

It is the Republic of Rwanda’s opinion that the illegal use of drugs is an international health problem, however the smuggling and intent to distribute the drugs is a crime. The illicit drug trade is a profitable endeavor, second only to the illicit trade of arms.

Rwanda is trying to stop the illicit drugs trade for many reasons. There are two main types of drugs being smuggled into the country. The psychoactive drugs being smuggled into the country are mostly cocaine, opium, morphine, inhalants, cannabis (marijuana), and hashish. The prescription drugs are MDMA (Ecstasy), hydrocodone, methamphetamine, amphetamine, Oxy Contin, Viagra, and sleeping pills. These are the drugs that are get smuggled and abused the most.

The Anti-Narcotics Unit was founded after a tremendous increase in drug related crimes. There are a lot of drug related crimes being committed in Rwanda. There is not one crime being committed more than the rest involving drugs. Many of the crimes include: possession, sale, purchase, concealment, use and consumption, exporting to others, and importing into the country.

There are some plans and conventions in order, but not many. One plan, The Regional Program, includes mutually reinforcing initiatives at the regional and national levels and com-promises of for Sub-Programs: organized crime and illicit trafficking, justice and integrity, drug prevention and health, and awareness and research. Rwandan police should add, a national narcotics database to keep track of what drugs an how much of it is being trafficked.

The government should definitely target drug shipments. If you can stop the shipments from getting in, people won’t be getting and drugs, and the producers will get mad at all the drugs being wasted. The goal would be to get the producers to stop sending the drugs to Rwanda. One step that would make this effective would be to strengthen the government. Right now they have a very weak criminal justice system. If they strengthen it, then they could have the ability to find and stop the illicit drug trade.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Victoria Brown
School: Fishers High School

The Republic of Korea has experienced a long battle against smuggling illegal drugs. The country takes illegal drug use very seriously, and punishment for any involvement such as smuggling, use, or possession can result in five years imprisonment to life in prison. This topic is indeed a major problem within South Korea. In 2010, 8,200 grams of methamphetamine was discovered and seized by authorities. The majority, fifty-seven percent, was smuggled from China and authorities believe that it came down through North Korea (Young-Jin). Methamphetamine in fact is most widely used illegal narcotic by South Koreans.

The Republic of Korea is known for its harsh laws regarding illegal use of drugs, and thus various drug traffickers use our ports for transshipment purposes. We ask the United Nations to take this into consideration when proposing policies and programs to help stop illegal drug trade.

It is apparent that other Asian countries also have problems with the smuggling of narcotics, especially Methamphetamine. Japan, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines specifically have noticed methamphetamine usage on the rise as of 2012. With theories of drugs being smuggled down from North Korea or China, the people of South Korea ask the United Nations to aide them in the prevention of such acts. Perhaps the United Nations could apply new policies to every participating country. If we had education on how to easily catch drugs for our policing officials, or maybe stricter border control when it comes to drugs, it would be extremely beneficial to our specific country, as well as countries that experience similar situations. New technology and resources could also potential help this process.

Several laws, treaties, and acts have been set in place for the Republic of Korea in order to prevent the smuggling of illegal drugs. South Korea has participated in three separate United Nations conventions dealing with drugs (In Cho). The 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances and the 1988 Convention against Drug Abuse and Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances all solidify our stance as the people of the Republic of Korea’s against the smuggling of illegal drugs and our overall willingness to help in the prevention of such acts. Domestically, South Korea has implemented the Special Act Against Illicit Drug Trafficking and it summarizes South Korea’s compliance to diminish illegal drug smuggling (In Cho). We have also been known to track mail items and deliveries for any drug-laced items. We believe this to be an acceptable and proficient way to discover and arrest and drug traffickers.

Most solutions to fixing the problem of illegal drug smuggling are amenable to the Republic of Korea. We the people of Korea simply ask that any new treaty not infringe on our current rights, or the ability we have to enforce our own laws. However, South Korea is ready and enthusiastic about stopping illegal drug smuggling. Our country already partakes in cracking down on the use and trafficking of several drugs, therefore we would be open to new suggestions or plans of action to further increase the efficiency of our policing. Our police force is also willing to join forces with the United Nations to create a reasonable and realistic arrangement for preventing the smuggling of illegal drugs.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Syria
Delegate Name: Madison Ford
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Preventing the smuggling of illegal drugs in the Syrian Arab Republic has become a problem that needs to be addressed. It has become increasingly difficult to eradicate the smuggling of illegal drugs, however we will continue to do what we can to stop it. We are strongly against such illegal acts as drug trafficking, because it often leads to outbreaks of violence, and can cause much tension between countries. However, we do not wish for the United Nations to implement any policies or treaties in order to regulate these illegal acts. Much of the illegal drugs that are being smuggled through our country come from Lebanon, and most are on their way to Europe or in some cases even the United States. The most common drug being smuggled through Syria from Lebanon is Hashish; and it is distributed to countries all over the world. It is also common to see opium and morphine being smuggled through Syria to Lebanon from such countries as Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey.

In 1996, the Syrian National Police was restructured so that a new agency was established, called the Counter-Narcotics Division. The purpose of this division was to prevent drugs from flowing in and out of Syria to and from Lebanon, and it had some success. They also did not allow the cultivation or production of illegal drugs within the country. In 1996, Syrian authorities seized a far greater amount of drugs going through Syria than they did in 1995. From 1996 to 1995, the amount of confiscated transiting Hashish doubled, and the amount of confiscated pills nearly tripled.

Due to the extremity of this problem, it has become apparent that we are in dire need of financial aid to be provided to our government so that we may purchase firearms. These firearms would be property of the Syrian government, and would be given to our authorities in order to help prevent more illegal drugs from being smuggled into and through our country. Along with supplying our authorities with firearms, we will continue to carry out the laws that are already in place to prevent illegal drug trafficking. This issue is very important, and needs to be addressed immediately. A small amount of financial aid could potentially have a very large impact, and could help our cause a great deal.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Calvin Knape
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The country of Turkey has had problems involving the drug trade, due to the unique geographical location that allows for the illegal trade of narcotics to occur. Turkey has signed many bilateral and multilateral agreements to stop the illegal drug trade. There have been over 600 Turkish officers trained to deal with illegal drug trade. Since implications of programs the amount of narcotics seized at key transit points has increased five-fold. This however in insignificant to the amount of illegal drugs that slip through the cracks. These cracks occur because nations fail to share intelligence on the drug trade.

Current conventions have mentioned ideas to improve communications but have failed to foster international cooperation. Turkey wishes to see this happen since intelligence shared can help stop the flow of drugs. Currently they do not tackle the problem of organized crime that facilitates most of the illegal drug trade. 90% of the world’s heroin comes from Turkish or Kurdish gangs and criminal organizations, the PKK being the main one.

Due to Turkey’s unique situation as the main drug smuggling routes cross through Turkey. Turkey has no opportunity to stop the producers of the drugs, but can and will and has tried to stop the smuggling of drugs through Turkey’s borders. The main thing that will create a better world is better communication between countries, and through that communication transport of drugs can be stopped. Turkey is remains committed to stop the illegal drug trade.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Adam Puja
School: Williamston High School

The smuggling of drugs is a prevalent source of violence in countries around the world. From cocaine being exported through Central America, to heroin and marijuana being smuggled across Russia and Europe, the smuggling of drugs can be detrimental to all countries. Between 15 million to 38 million people in the world are problem drug users. This is a problem because drugs have disastrous effect on the human body, and spread diseases such as HIV and AIDS. Over 253,000 people were reported to die from drug related problems. Drug’s can bring more than just death and disease, but can trigger drug wars and create widespread violence.

The United Kingdom has seen a recent increase in drugs over the past decade. Many people of the older generation are turning to the use of marijuana, a class B drug. There are over 300 importers of drugs into the United Kingdom, and there is an estimated 70,000 drug dealers throughout the country. The United Kingdom has seen a record use of illegal drugs and would like to find a better way to help stop the smuggling of illegal drugs into the country.

The United Kingdom believes that the key to preventing the smuggling of illegal drugs is to cut the demand completely. Education is important to informing the youth that drug use can be addictive and can cause the body harm. Many people who are already addicted to drugs need a way to treat their addictions. The United Kingdom believes that increasing the amount of treatment centers and treatments can help decrease the amount of people addicted to drugs. Also, with increased funding in law enforcement, many countries can crack down on drug smuggling rings and can reduce the supply of illegal drugs in circulation.

Topic: Preventing the Smuggling of Illegal Drugs
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Alexis Filippis
School: Royal Oak High School

The smuggling of illegal drugs

The United States is strongly opposed to the transportation of illegal substances into any state, and already provides multiple measures to prevent such actions through its infrastructure. Smuggling of illegal drugs advances need for security and economic surveillance, here and in the far east. The smuggling of illegal drugs creates immense issues for the nation as a whole. Prevalent at the Southwest border of the United States, drugs produced in Mexico and Colombia are confiscated at border control. The Coast Guard combats the transportation of illicit drugs through air travel, defending areas such as the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Eastern Pacific. If illicit drugs are found in the custody of a traveler, they are seized and the perpetrator is taken into custody (depending on the level of the offense). The United States takes drugs trafficking as a very serious topic, internal government agencies deal with tracking of major dealers, the CIA and the department of Justice (the DEA, Drug Enforcement Administration) are the chiefs of these processes.

The United States finds that the best way to improve these processes are by primarily targeting the drug producers; if the drugs are not developed they are unable to be sold and transported. This is and can be done by tracking dealers through transporters that have been intercepted. These conventions can be improved in all nations, military occupation can aid these processes in foreign countries to prevent smuggling of illegal drugs into territories. The United States finds this a serious and large issue and is willing to continue and enlarge protection against smuggling of illegal drugs.