International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) is an independent body that as an arbitrator or tribunal board, generally of a public administrative agency for the implementation of the United Nations drug conventions. It was established in 1968 by the mandate given in the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961.

It plays an important role in monitoring enforcement of restrictions on narcotics and psychotropics and in deciding which precursors should be regulated.

Functions of International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)

1. It ensures that adequate supplies of drugs are available for medical and scientific uses not for the unlawful diversion of drugs.
2. It monitors Governments' control over chemicals used by the illegal manufacturer of drugs and assists them in preventing the diversion of those chemicals into the unlawful traffic.
3. It identifies the weaknesses in national and international control systems and contributes to correcting illicit manufacture of, trafficking in and use of drugs.
4. It is estimate or determines the nature of chemicals used by the illegal manufacturer of drugs and placed under international control.

Conventions related to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)

1. Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961: It is regarded as a milestone in the history of international drug control. This convention codified all existing multilateral treaties on drug control and extended the existing control systems to include the cultivation of plants that were grown as the raw material of narcotic drugs.
2. Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971: This convention is related with the International control system over chemical substance that can influence human consciousness.
3. United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988: This Convention ratified the comprehensive measure against drug trafficking, money laundering and the diversion of precursors chemicals through international cooperation.