Morocco Re-elected to International Narcotics Control Board for Third Term

Doha – In a significant diplomatic achievement, the Kingdom of Morocco has been re-elected to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for a third term, according to an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The election, which took place on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) saw Jalal Toufiq representing Morocco.

As per the Ministry’s statement, Morocco and India were both elected in the first round, with the Moroccan candidacy securing thirty votes out of a total of 54.

This electoral success was achieved in the context of unprecedented competition among the 25 countries vying for the five seats allocated to candidates proposed by governments.

The achievement is particularly noteworthy given that Morocco is not a currently member of the ECOSOC, reflecting the Kingdom’s strong credibility in multilateral work, the statement added.

The Ministry further emphasized that Morocco’s election to this crucial body demonstrates the credibility of the Kingdom’s contributions, guided by the noble vision of King Mohammed VI, in multilateral efforts to address global economic, social, and health challenges, particularly those related to drug control.

This serves as evidence of the international community’s confidence in Morocco’s tireless efforts to combat the drug problem, especially in light of emerging trends such as the appearance of new drugs —particularly synthetic substances— according to the official statement.

The Ministry also highlighted that Toufiq, the current President of the INCB, also serves as the director for the National Center for Prevention, Treatment, and Research in Addiction, as well as for the National Observatory on Drugs and Addiction, and the Arrazi Hospital for Mental and Psychiatric Diseases.

The INCB, an independent and quasi-judicial body of experts, was established under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961. It is responsible for monitoring the implementation of United Nations drug control treaties.

The board issues an annual report providing a comprehensive study of the global drug control situation, the implementation of UN conventions in this field, and recommends corrective measures in this context, as stated by the ministry.

Composed of 13 members selected by the ECOSOC, ten of the INCB members are elected from a list of individuals nominated by governments, while the remaining three are elected by the World Health Organization, according to the official statement.

Last month, during a presentation of the 2023 annual report held at the UN Office in Vienna, INCB President Toufiq emphasized the ongoing challenges in combating drug trafficking worldwide.

The report noted a decrease in cannabis drug busts in Morocco compared to the previous year, but also highlighted the country’s continued significance as a transit hub for cannabis destined for Europe.