Conference Held to Mark the International Day against
Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

On June 26, 2025, the Office for Combating Drugs of the Government of the Republic of Serbia held a conference at the Palace of Serbia to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The United Nations General Assembly established this date in 1987 to raise awareness and draw attention to the global problems posed by drugs and illegal drug trafficking, which threaten not only individual health but also entire communities and societies.

For the first time, this year’s UNODC report includes a dedicated chapter on the wide-ranging impacts of drugs, covering their effects on individuals as well as the well-being of families and communities. According to the latest data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 2025 Report, by the end of 2023, approximately 316 million people globally had used drugs—an increase of 28% over the past decade. This growth surpasses the increase in global population, indicating a higher prevalence of drug use. The synthetic drug market is expanding rapidly and shows no signs of slowing down. In 2023, global seizures of amphetamine-type stimulants hit record highs, accounting for nearly half of all synthetic drug seizures.

Global cocaine production reached record levels, accompanied by significant increases in cocaine seizures, users, and cocaine-related deaths. Western and Central Europe continue to report more cocaine seizures than North America, indicating a shift in the primary destination for this drug. Opium production remained relatively low, largely due to the drug ban implemented in Afghanistan in 2022.

Every year, with support from international organizations, state authorities, civil society, and various groups around the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness about the major societal challenges posed by drugs. This year’s theme is: “The evidence is clear: Invest in Prevention. Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime.”
The Director of the Office for Combating Drugs, Mr. Milan Pekić, opened the conference and emphasized that the exchange of experiences among participants- especially with prominent representatives from international organizations and regional partners—provides a solid foundation for enhancing efforts and establishing new forms of cooperation in the fight against drug abuse.

Mr. Alexander Semenyuk, Head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in Serbia, addressed attendees, and Dr. David Paton, Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Derby, joined via an online platform to express support for the conference and highlight the importance of cooperation with the Office.

Speakers from various fields presented the latest statistics, facts, and trends in drug prevention efforts, including: Mr. Dimitrije Ristić from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime; Ms. Vesna Vipotnik, Chairwoman of the Commission for the Suppression of Drug Abuse in the Republic of Srpska; Mr. Radoš Pejović, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Family Welfare and Demography; Dr. Diana Raketić, MD, PhD, Director of the Special Hospital for Addiction Treatment; Prof. Dr. Milica Vukašinović Vesić, Director of the Anti-Doping Agency of the Republic of Serbia; Mr. Goran Vukosavljević from the Ministry of Finance – Customs Administration; and Ms. Milica Bogićević from the Ministry of Justice – Directorate for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions.