New trends and regional differences in the manufacturing ...

New trends and regional differences in the production of methamphetamine have been noted recently. According to a recent report, the UNODC's Global SMART Update indicates a dramatic shift in the manufacturing landscape, with production now diversifying beyond its traditional strongholds in North America and East Asia. Countries such as Guatemala, Iran, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are emerging as notable players in this illicit industry.

Historically, North America (primarily Mexico and the United States) and East and Southeast Asia (China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand) have dominated the illicit methamphetamine trade, primarily because of their proximity to major consumer markets. However, the recent UNODC update highlights a worrying trend in the expansion of methamphetamine production to new regions, particularly Africa and the Middle East, while also increasing activities detected in Europe, albeit at lower levels.

The methodologies employed in manufacturing vary widely, yet many regions still depend on ephedrine and pseudoephedrine as key precursors in the production of methamphetamine. North America distinctly relies on P-2-P (1-phenyl-2-propanone or benzyl methyl ketone, BMK) in its processes.

The growing threat posed by synthetic drugs, including methamphetamine, amphetamine, ecstasy-type substances, and novel psychoactive substances (NPS), is a significant concern on a global scale. Notably, amphetamine-type stimulants rank as the second most consumed drugs internationally, surpassing even cocaine and heroin in usage rates.

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In response to the challenges posed by synthetic drugs, the UNODC has initiated the Global SMART (Synthetics Monitoring: Analyses, Reporting and Trends) Programme, which enhances member states' capabilities to gather and manage information on illicit synthetic drugs, including effective reporting strategies. This programme is primarily active in East and Southeast Asia and has recently expanded to Latin America.

Further information at:

Global SMART Update - Vol. 12 (English)

Global SMART Update - Vol. 12 (Spanish)

UNODC work on synthetic drugs

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