United Nations Convention against illicit traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988

The United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988 is an international treaty that aims to combat drug trafficking and related criminal activity, including money laundering and the diversion of precursor chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of drugs.

It strengthens international cooperation between countries by supporting measures to detect, investigate and prosecute offences involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Australia's obligations

As a signatory to the Convention, Australia implements measures to prevent and detect illicit drug trafficking through legislation, regulatory controls and law enforcement activities.

The Office of Drug Control (ODC) helps Australia meet these obligations by regulating the import and export of controlled substances and precursor chemicals.

Related conventions

The Convention is part of a broader international drug control framework that also includes:

• Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961
• Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971

Together, these conventions help ensure controlled substances are available for legitimate medical and scientific purposes while preventing diversion to illicit markets.

Read the Convention

Read the full text of the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988 on the United Nations website.

www.unodc.org