KATHMANDU, Sept 29: Synthetic-drug markets across South Asia are evolving differently, but countries face common challenges in detecting new substances, tracking trafficking networks and strengthening cross-border cooperation, according to a UNODC press release issued Monday.
The report, South Asia in Focus: Synthetic Drugs and Precursor Trends, assesses drug markets in Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka and identifies distinct patterns in each country.
According to the press release, Nepal faces significant illicit circulation of controlled pharmaceuticals, including tramadol, tapentadol, benzodiazepines and codeine. These substances are moved through land routes, passenger and cargo channels, and postal and courier services.
UN report sounds alarm on surging global drug us
A February 2025 operation in Kathmandu recovered 564,100 tramadol tablets, according to the report. The findings point to the need to better track controlled pharmaceuticals from importers and wholesalers to pharmacies and illegal distribution networks.
In Bangladesh, Yaba remains a major concern, with seizures of Yaba and amphetamine-type stimulant tablets rising to 43.56 million in 2025 after a sharp decline in 2024.
The Maldives is exposed to synthetic drugs through maritime, aviation, postal and courier routes. Seizures increased from 25.27 kg in 2023 to 38.31 kg in 2024.
In Sri Lanka, methamphetamine has emerged as the main synthetic drug encountered by authorities. Methamphetamine-related arrests reached 92,650 in 2025, accounting for 35.3 percent of all drug arrests, according to the press release.
UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia, Kristian Hölge, said the findings show a rapidly changing threat requiring stronger early-warning, forensic, and investigative capacities, information-sharing, and regional cooperation.
The report identifies common challenges, including the emergence of new substances, trafficking through multiple routes, precursor movement, pharmaceutical diversion, poly-drug use, and the need to track financial flows and digital evidence.
UNODC also launched three practical tools to help authorities strengthen national responses, investigations and law-enforcement training.
The assessment and tools were developed under a UNODC regional initiative supported financially by the US government.
