KATHMANDU: The Vienna-based International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), which is monitoring the implementation of the United Nations drug control conventions, in its Annual Report 2009, has sounded an alarm over the use of "date rape drugs", which are used to assist in committing sexual assaults.

The report, which was launched here today amid a press conference jointly organised by the United Nations Information Centre and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, has warned that uses of new psychoactive substances are on the rise.

INCB has called on all governments to implement the Resolution 52/8 of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs to control the misuse of pharmaceutical products that are used to assist in committing sexual assaults.

"The date rape drug phenomenon is evolving rapidly as sexual abusers attempt to circumvent more rigorous drug controls by using substances not restricted by the international drug conventions," said the report.

The report has also shown that stricter control measures adopted by governments, in close cooperation with pharmaceutical industries, have been proven effective.

The report, further, urged the governments to give urgent attention to preventing the practice.

"Preventing drug abuse is crucial for demand reduction. Primary prevention encompasses measures taken to prevent and reduce drug use in populations that are either not using or not seriously involved with drugs," the report quoted INCB President Professor Sevil Atasoy as saying.

As primary prevention by efforts of the governments alone will not suffice, there needs to be collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), it added.

The governments should pay attention to both young people who are not using or occasionally using drugs and to those using drugs frequently, the report has underlined.

It has further warned that the abuse of “prescription drugs” has become a major concern in some countries.

“The abuse of such drugs has been spreading over the world in recent years and INCB is calling for more awareness of this 'hidden' problem,” it stated.

Highly organised and powerful criminal networks are using new processes, routes and substances to keep drug manufacturing operations alive, warned the report, highlighting major trends in drug abuse and trafficking around the globe.

Shankar Koirala, Joint-Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Olivier Lermet, Programme Coordinator of Nepal-based United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, were also present during the launching of the report.