The activities of authorised agencies such as police, customs, border services, and investigative bodies to enforce drug control laws and address criminal activities related to the production, trafficking, and distribution of illicit substances. These activities may include investigations, intelligence gathering, interdiction, and collaboration with national and international partners to disrupt organised crime networks. Law enforcement plays an important role in protecting public safety and maintaining the rule of law, and is most effective when coordinated with broader public health, prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts as part of a balanced and comprehensive response to substance use.
Law Enforcement
The Role of Faith Communities in Addressing Substance Use and Crime – Reading List (Part 2)
In this second reading list, we continue exploring the growing evidence on the role and contribution of faith communities and faith-based organisations in addressing substance use and crime, with a particular focus on treatment engagement...
Drug Diversion Schemes Linked to Lower Reoffending Rates, New Research Finds
New research examining more than 62,000 criminal incidents across 13 police forces in England found that police-led drug diversion schemes are associated with significantly lower reoffending rates than traditional prosecution for drug...
Do Drug Diversion Schemes Work? Insights from the Thames Valley Police Drugs Diversion Pilot
This paper examines the development and early outcomes of the Thames Valley Police Drugs Diversion Pilot in West Berkshire, which offers people found in possession of drugs an opportunity to engage with treatment rather than receive a...
The introduction of drug Arrest Referral schemes in London: A partnership between drug services and the police
Arrest Referral (AR) schemes in London were established to connect people who use drugs with treatment services at the point of arrest through collaboration between police and drug service providers. Based on interviews with police officers...
Bangladesh’s Youth Victims of Addiction: A Hidden Crisis Behind the Number
Introduction In Bangladesh, drug addiction has ceased to be only a law enforcement problem. It has become a serious social and psychological disaster. Its principal victims are the most promising population of the country: the youth. A...
International Youth Day 2026: Launch of the Global Youth Survey
ISSUP Global Youth Network, in collaboration with Drug Free America Foundation, World Federation Against Drugs and Fourth Wave Foundation, presented a webinar to celebrate International Youth Day on 12 August.
The New Drug World: Strengthening Collaboration to Address Synthetic Drug Threats
This report examines how the rapid growth of synthetic drug markets is transforming the global drug landscape and challenging traditional approaches to drug control. Unlike plant-based drugs such as cocaine and heroin, synthetic drugs can...
Heroin Trafficking Along the Northern and Southern Routes: Emerging Trends and Strategic Implications
This paper examines how heroin trafficking routes from Afghanistan into Europe have evolved following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. It explores the changing dynamics of the northern and southern trafficking routes, highlighting how...
Bangladesh’s Youth Victims of Addiction: A Hidden Crisis Behind the Number
Introduction In Bangladesh, drug addiction has ceased to be only a law enforcement problem. It has become a serious social and psychological disaster. Its principal victims are the most promising population of the country: the youth. A...
Beyond Borders: Is the Synthetic Drug Crisis Outrunning Our Public Health Infrastructure
I had the chance to review a compelling research presentation hosted by the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), which revealed significant data from a large-scale study on methamphetamine (‘Crystal Meth/Ice’) use...