SCNDamd72-75
Protocol Amending the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs
In March 1972, the UN plenipotentiary conference was convened to amend the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. The main goal of the amendments was to expand the role of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) in controlling licit and illicit opium production and illicit drug trafficking in general. The protocol consists of provisions that refine the INCB’ s powers. In Article 2 of the protocol the definition of the INCB’ s functions now includes an explicit reference to the prevention of illicit cultivation, production, manufacture, illicit trafficking and use of drugs. Article 35 of the Protocol encourages states to supply the International Narcotics Control Board and the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) with information on the illicit drug activity in their territory. Furthermore the INCB is authorized to advise parties on their efforts to reduce illicit drug trafficking. The protocol allows states to use treatment, education, after-care, rehabilitation and social reintegration either as an alternative or in addition to conviction and punishment. The protocol continued the prohibitive tradition of the international drug control regime and increased the combat on illicit trafficking. The United Nations Conference met in Geneva from 6 to 25 March 1972 to consider the amendments to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961. The Protocol adopted by the Conference was opened for signature on 25 March 1972 and entered into force on August 8, 1975.