OEA - CP - Resolución CP CSH 2376

PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE OAS/Ser.G

ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES CP/CSH-2376/26 10 February 2026

COMMITTEE ON HEMISPHERIC SECURITY Original: Spanish/English

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT OF THE INTER-AMERICAN DRUG ABUSE

CONTROL COMMISSION (CICAD) - EVIDENCE-BASED DRUG POLICY SECTION:

INFORMATION, DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND EV ALUATION, AND

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

ADV ANCES AND CHALLENGES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMS AND

PROJECTS CARRIED OUT BY THE CICAD EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT, AIMED AT

COLLECTING AND GENERATING DATA AND KNOWLEDGE ON DRUGS AND WITHIN

THE FRAMEWORK OF THE MULTILATERAL EV ALUATION MECHANISM (MEM)

(To be presented at the Committee meeting scheduled for 19 February 2026) This report is being submitted pursuant to the provisions of the Structure for the consideration of substantive issues during regular meetings (2025-2026), document CP/CSH/INF.602/25. Table of Contents Introduction.............................................................................................................................................2 Activities carried out by CICAD’s Evidence-Based Drug Policy Section: Information, Design, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Data Collection and Analysis (2021-2025):............2

1. Research, monitoring, and generation of drug-related information ...............................................3

2. Implementation and development of national drug information networks ....................................3

3. Implementation and development of national early warning systems on emerging drugs.............3

4. Management of the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM) process.....................................4

Summary.............................................................................................................................................4 Relevant Mandates (2021-2025):............................................................................................................4

2024: AG/RES. 3031 (LIV-O/24) ......................................................................................................4 2023: AG/RES. 3009 (LIII-O/23) ......................................................................................................5 2022: AG/RES. 2986 (LII-O/22)........................................................................................................5 2021: AG/RES. 2970 (LI-O/21).........................................................................................................62 Introduction The Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) is the advisory and consultative body of the Organization of American States (OAS) on the drug issue. CICAD serves as a hemispheric forum for political and technical dialogue that supports member states in the design, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive policies and strategies to address the global drug problem, in accordance with the OAS Hemispheric Drug Strategy and its Plan of Action, which is currently undergoing an update for 2026–2030. In the current context of the expansion of synthetic drugs and increasingly dynamic illicit markets, the information, monitoring, and evaluation systems coordinated by CICAD have also gained relevance for hemispheric security, as they contribute to the timely detection of changes in patterns of production, trafficking, and consumption that affect public security. Through its Evidence-Based Drug Policy Section: Information, Design, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Data Collection and Analysis, the CICAD Executive Secretariat supports OAS member states in the collection and analysis of data on the drug problem, with to the aim of enabling governments to design more effective national drug policies, through the Inter-American Observatory on Drugs (OID). In addition, it manages the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM), which assesses how each OAS member state is implementing the OAS Hemispheric Drug Strategy, thereby contributing to strengthening their capacity to control drug trafficking and drug abuse and to reinforcing multilateral cooperation, based on the following lines of action:

1. Research, monitoring, and generation of drug-related information;

2. Implementation and development of national drug information networks;

3. Implementation and development of national early warning systems on emerging drugs; and

4. Management of the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM) process.

Activities carried out by CICAD’s Evidence-Based Drug Policy Section: Information, Design,

2. Implementation and development of national drug information networks;

3. Implementation and development of national early warning systems on emerging drugs; and

4. Management of the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM) process.

Activities carried out by CICAD’s Evidence-Based Drug Policy Section: Information, Design, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Data Collection and Analysis (2021-2025): The Evidence-Based Drug Policy Section: Information, Design, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Data Collection and Analysis of the Executive Secretariat of CICAD has the mission of strengthening the capacity of OAS member states to formulate, implement, and evaluate evidencebased drug policies, thereby promoting a more effective and coordinated response to the drug problem in the hemisphere. Between 2021 and 2025, the Section implemented programs and projects aimed at supporting member states in responding more effectively to the need to generate updated, valid, and reliable information to enable the implementation of evidence-based intervention programs, with particular attention to the challenges posed by the emergence of new and emerging drugs, such as synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and nitazenes, new psychoactive substances (NPS), and the timely detection of these substances by forensic and toxicological laboratories that analyze drugs. During this period, the InterAmerican Observatory on Drugs (OID) Unit carried out numerous training and technical assistance activities, as well as periodic meetings with the technical teams of National Drug Observatories and national early warning systems on emerging drugs. In addition, the OID published at least three annual Information Bulletins and distributed monthly e-Newsletters, thereby consolidating hemispheric-level3 spaces for the analysis of emerging trends, the exchange of information and good practices, operational cooperation, and the strengthening of trust among national authorities. Furthermore, the eighth round of the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM) was conducted, which

examined the level of compliance with the objectives of the CICAD Hemispheric Plan of Action on Drugs 2021–2025, covering 2019–2024.

1. Research, monitoring, and generation of drug-related information In the area of research, monitoring, and generation of drug-related information, the OID has developed the CICADs Inter-American Drug Use Data System (SIDUC) and has strengthened the technical capacity of professionals in member states through training on the use of standardized protocols for conducting national drug use surveys among the general population, secondary school students, and university students, among other more specific population groups. The OID promotes the use of these standardized protocols to ensure that data are comparable across countries that periodically conduct this type of national survey. Between 2021 and 2025, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay conducted at least one national survey using the SIDUC methodology, either partially or in full, and received technical training for its application.

2. Implementation and development of national drug information networks In the area of the creation, development, and strengthening of national drug information networks

(DIN), the OID promotes the generation of drug-related information in OAS member states, on drug demand and drug supply. Between 2021 and 2025, the OID regularly conducted the CICAD Data Call to obtain updated information from member states on a range of indicators related to epidemiological data on drug use, prevention programs, treatment programs, seizure data, drug price and market data, and the detection of new drugs, among other indicators. This information supported the preparation of regional reports, such as CICAD’s 2022 Report on the Drug Supply in the Americas, as well as Information Bulletins containing updated epidemiological data on drug use and drug supply in the region.

3. Implementation and development of national early warning systems on emerging drugs

Since 2018, the OID has been working on a range of projects aimed at addressing the challenge posed by new and emerging drugs, such as synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and nitazenes, as well as new psychoactive substances (NPS) and other emerging substances that pose serious risks to health and security and have generated an epidemic with thousands of intoxications and overdose deaths, primarily in North America, but with the potential to spread to other countries in the Americas. In this context, through training and technical assistance, the OID has promoted the establishment of national early warning systems (EWS) to ensure the availability of the most up-to-date information on these substances and to warn the population about associated risks. With the support of the OID, 19 national EWS have been implemented in the Americas, and an additional six are currently under development. In addition, the OID created the Early Warning System of the Americas (SATA, by its Spanishlanguage acronym) as a repository for alerts and information generated by national EWS. Between 2021 and 2025, four SATA Information Bulletins were published summarizing information collected from national EWS, and 25 SATA e-Newsletters containing information compiled during the previous month were periodically distributed. Beyond their relevance to public health, these early warning4 systems strengthen the capacity of member states to anticipate changes in highly dynamic drug markets and to guide more timely institutional responses to emerging threats.

4. Management of the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM) process From 2021 to 2024, the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM) carried out its eighth evaluation round, which consisted of a comprehensive process through which OAS member states were assessed with regard to the implementation of the CICAD Hemispheric Plan of Action on Drugs 2021–2025, using 2019 as the baseline year. This round conducted an in-depth evaluation of national policies,

programs, and institutional frameworks to address the drug problem, covering all thematic areas of the Plan of Action: institutional strengthening; demand and supply reduction; research, information, monitoring, and evaluation; and international cooperation. The process was based on information provided by the member states themselves, reviewed through a peer-review evaluation mechanism, and culminated in the publication of 129 national reports, approved by the Commission, as well as four hemispheric briefs, which identified progress, challenges, and areas for improvement, while also contributing to the strengthening of national capacities and the promotion of a coordinated, evidencebased response across the region. In this regard, the MEM functions as a strategic feedback mechanism that enables member states to adjust their policies in response to the evolving threats associated with drug trafficking and synthetic drugs, thereby reducing gaps between criminal innovation and institutional responses. The MEM’s eighth evaluation round was carried out successfully thanks to the active participation and sustained commitment of OAS member states at each stage of the process. In 2025, the MEM Intergovernmental Working Group (IWG) reviewed the evaluation process and adapted it to current budgetary constraints, agreeing upon and approving the methodology for the ninth evaluation round. This new round will be conducted from 2026 to 2029 and will assess one specific line of action per year of the current OAS Hemispheric Drug Strategy. In 2026, the evaluation will focus on the design and implementation of national drug policies and strategies. Summary Overall, the work carried out by the Evidence-Based Drug Policy Section: Information, Design, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Data Collection and Analysis reflects CICAD’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of OAS member states to formulate, implement, and evaluate evidence-based drug policies, through technical assistance, the generation and analysis of information, and the management of the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM). This work contributes to a more effective, coordinated, and coherent response to the drug problem in the

hemisphere. Collectively, these tools constitute a hemispheric learning and early-warning system that enhances member states’ capacity to anticipate, coordinate, and respond to a dynamic phenomenon that directly impacts hemispheric security. Relevant Mandates (2021-2025): 2024: AG/RES. 3031 (LIV-O/24)

120. To encourage member states to implement, develop, and promote actions in the areas of institutional strengthening; research, information, monitoring, and evaluation; and international5 cooperation, in response to the results obtained in the third year of the eighth round of the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism, which include the need to disseminate best practices and exchange successful experiences based on research and practice among member states and international organizations, and to continue to establish and strengthen national drug information networks that carry out long-term monitoring and early warning systems to identify and respond to emerging threats.

121. To encourage member states to conduct specialized training programs on detection, investigation and identification of synthetic drugs and their precursor chemicals, including advanced detection and forensic identification techniques for emerging drugs, new psychoactive substances, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, their analogues and mixtures of substances, as well as strategies to prevent their diversion, illicit sale, and distribution, through the use of online platforms, encrypted communication tools, and postal services, among other means.

127. To encourage member states to raise awareness of the need to develop interagency and multidisciplinary public and private networks at the national, subregional and regional levels with expertise in research, forensic analysis, early detection and information on new and emerging drugs, in order to collect, analyze and disseminate information to the general population on the associated risks, and to ensure up-to-date and reliable evidence so that decision-makers can generate effective policies and strategies. 2023: AG/RES. 3009 (LIII-O/23)

56. To encourage member states to: a) strengthen national drug surveillance and early warning systems in order to gather real-time information and respond quickly and effectively to the problem of new and emerging drugs, which threaten public health and safety, and, through these systems, to report to the CICAD Early Warning System for the Americas; and b) establish and strengthen, as appropriate and within their means, drug analysis laboratories, provide resources to them, and strengthen information-sharing among national, regional, and international drug analysis laboratories, with a view to detecting, analyzing, and identifying NPS and chemical precursors, in line with resolution 66/3 adopted by the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs at its the sixty-sixth session. 2022: AG/RES. 2986 (LII-O/22)

91. To thank the Governmental Expert Group (GEG) of the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism

(MEM) for drafting the thematic national reports on the area of “Measures of Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Support” of the Hemispheric Plan of Action on Drugs 2021-2025 throughout 2021, and recognize the participation of member states in that first year of the eighth round of evaluation of the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM), as well as encourage their participation in the evaluation of the thematic area “Measures to Control and Counter the Illicit Cultivation, Production, Trafficking, and Distribution of Drugs, and to Address their Causes and Consequences” during 2022.

97. To encourage member states to strengthen efforts to address and counter the proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and illicit synthetic drugs, in particular methamphetamine and synthetic opioids that may pose serious risks to public health and safety, to promote increased information sharing and analysis through early warning systems, including the International6

Narcotics Control Board and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime platforms, to disseminate

information that provides a timely and effective response, and to promote training for multidisciplinary and interagency technical teams to effectively generate and share such information. 2021: AG/RES. 2970 (LI-O/21)

101. To welcome and advance the implementation of the Hemispheric Drug Strategy 2020 and its associated Plan of Action 2021–2025, and to welcome the updated methodology documents for the eighth round of the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM) for the period 2021–2024, as well as the evaluation documents for the thematic area “Measures of Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Support” for 2021, as adopted at the sixty-eighth regular session of CICAD held in Colombia in December 2020. Moreover, to encourage member states to continue strengthening bilateral and subregional cooperation mechanisms for supply and demand reduction, under the principle of common and shared responsibility, framed within the commitments and lines of action of the Hemispheric Drug Strategy 2020 and the Plan of Action 2021–2025, and incorporating respect for human rights and a gender perspective.

108. To encourage member states to participate in the technical working groups in order to improve the quality of data collection on drug production, trafficking, interdiction, and on drug use trends, bearing in mind the importance of quality, timely, relevant, open, disaggregated data for improving the comparability of reported information and for providing that information to the Early Warning System of the Americas.

109. To recognize the efforts of member states to update the MEM evaluation documents and thank the Intergovernmental Working Group and the Governmental Expert Group of the MEM for their work.