KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 28
Synthetic drug markets across South Asia are evolving differently but share common challenges, including the detection of emerging substances, tracing illicit proceeds and strengthening regional cooperation, according to a new UNODC report.
The report, South Asia in Focus: Synthetic Drugs and Precursor Trends, assesses Bangladesh, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, identifying distinct patterns in each country.
In Nepal, the diversion and illicit distribution of controlled pharmaceuticals, including tramadol, tapentadol, benzodiazepines and codeine, are highlighted as major concerns. The report points to their movement through land routes, passenger and cargo channels, and postal and courier services. In one operation in Kathmandu in February 2025, authorities recovered 564,100 tramadol tablets.
Bangladesh faces an established Yaba market, while the Maldives is exposed to synthetic drugs through maritime, aviation, postal and courier routes. In Sri Lanka, methamphetamine has emerged as the principal synthetic drug encountered by authorities.
The report identifies five common regional challenges: rapidly evolving substances requiring stronger early-warning and forensic systems; trafficking through multiple channels; gaps in monitoring precursor movement and pharmaceutical diversion; poly-drug use; and the need to better understand criminal networks, financial flows and digital evidence.
The report was launched in Kathmandu on Monday in the presence of representatives from the Sri Lankan Embassy, US Embassy, Nepal's Narcotics Control Board, BIMSTEC Secretariat and UNODC, along with law-enforcement and criminal justice officials from across the region.
UNODC also launched three practical tools to support national authorities and law-enforcement agencies: a guidance tool for strengthening national responses, an operational reference guide for investigations, and integrated training modules covering intelligence-led policing, forensic detection, special investigative techniques, international cooperation and asset recovery.
The initiative was implemented with financial support from the US government and draws on national data, forensic and precursor information, documented cases and consultations with law-enforcement, customs, health and financial-intelligence authorities.