• Prince Faisal highlighted concerning surge in synthetic drug production within the region and the detrimental impact on society

Arab News

RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday expressed Riyadh’s commitment to strengthening global cooperation to combat the problem.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, speaking during an event on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York, highlighted the concerning surge in synthetic drug production within the region and the detrimental impact on society. He stressed that this trend had spurred Saudi Arabia to action, propelling its engagement on the issue.

The recent surge in methamphetamine production primarily originates in nations grappling with insecurity and instability, he said.

In addition to raising awareness about the issue, Prince Faisal expressed gratitude to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for spearheading an international coalition aimed at countering the dual threat to public health and security posed by synthetic drugs. The global initiative underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to combat the widespread use and illicit trafficking of these substances.

Saudi Arabia has been actively fighting the rampant consumption and illegal importation of Captagon, an amphetamine frequently manufactured in Syria. Its efforts have resulted in the discovery and disposal of millions of Captagon pills that were destined for the Kingdom.

Prince Faisal reiterated the necessity for governments and international stakeholders to join forces in combating the global drug epidemic. Stressing the urgency of the situation, he expressed grave concerns about the adverse public health and societal consequences stemming from the non-medical use of synthetic drugs, as well as the challenges linked to their illicit production, diversion, trafficking, and associated criminal activities.