U.N. Narcotics Board Urges Regulation of Internet Pharmacies

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) is calling for greater international cooperation, regulation and law enforcement to prevent online drug trafficking.

Reuters reported March 17 that the INCB suggested a variety of measures, including regulatory and legislative action, to prevent Internet sales of controlled substances without a prescription.

Better cooperation between governments also is necessary to combat what has become a global problem, said INCB chief Hamid Ghodse. “Therefore the board decided to provide a framework for coordinated international action and cooperation, elaborating the most essential measures which need to be taken,” he said.

The board provided details about the ongoing problem; for example, a U.S. study found only two out of 365 Internet pharmacies required a prescription for purchase of internationally controlled substances.

The fact that children and adolescents can access pharmaceuticals through the anonymity provided by online sales is also a growing concern, Ghodse said.