WHEREAS, law enforcement is profoundly alarmed by the magnitude of the rising trend in drug abuse, illicit production and trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic substances, including synthetic or designer drugs, that threaten the health and well-being of millions of persons, in particular youth, in all countries of the world; and

WHEREAS, we are gravely concerned that, despite increased efforts by states and relevant international organizations, the illicit demand for, production of, and traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including synthetic or designer drugs, has expanded globally, and therefore, continue to threaten seriously the socioeconomic and political systems and the stability, national security and sovereignty of an increasing number of states; and

WHEREAS, we are deeply alarmed by the growing violence and economic power of criminal organizations and terrorist groups that engage in the production, traffic and distribution of drugs, arms and precursor and essential chemicals, which at times place them beyond the reach of the law, corrupting institutions, undermining the full exercise of human rights and threatening the stability of many societies in the world; and

WHEREAS, we are also deeply alarmed by the growing links at the transnational level between criminal organizations and terrorist groups engaged in drug trafficking activities and other criminal activities, such as money laundering, and illicit traffic of arms and precursors and essential chemicals; and

WHEREAS, recognizing that the problems caused by substance abuse and illicit trafficking can only be resolved through closer coordination and cooperation among states in combating the drug-related crimes, such as terrorism, illicit arms trade and money laundering, and bearing in mind the role that could be played by both the United Nations and regional organizations in this respect; and

WHEREAS, recognizing also that the problems caused by substance abuse and illicit trafficking can only be resolved through a balanced approach to supply and demand reduction including among other things, enforcement, prevention, education, and treatment; and

WHEREAS, emphasizing that the need for a balanced approach is recognized and encouraged by multilateral organizations such as the United Nations International Drug Control Program (UNDCP) and the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD); and

WHEREAS, noting that despite the best efforts of governments, new forms of criminal activities of international drug trafficking organizations call for enhanced international cooperation, a renewal of commitment and effort at the national and regional levels to fight against these menaces, as well as the formulation of new strategies, approaches and objectives that, respectful of the sovereignty of states, can deal more effectively with the international operations of those involved in the illegal traffic of drugs and arms, the diversion of precursors and essential chemicals, and money laundering; and

WHEREAS, recognizing that action of all aspects of the problem is required and that concerted action on all these aspects will ensure there are no weak areas where the problem may intensify; and

WHEREAS, recognizing that the relative emphasis on each of these aspects will vary depending upon national/local circumstances and priorities; and

WHEREAS, recognizing that law enforcement is an effective strategy to reduce crime and drug-related problems and cost; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), duly assembled at its 103rd annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona, calls upon all governments to bring the issue of substance abuse and illicit trafficking to a high priority level, by maintaining and enhancing commitment to combating all aspects of the problem; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IACP calls upon all governments to reexamine resource levels devoted to each aspect of the problem in order to ensure that these levels are adequate to deal with the new forms of criminal activities; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IACP calls upon governments to explore ways to bring together enforcement, prevention, and education, and treatment sectors so as to better understand their respective concerns and problems and to identify ways to promote collaboration and to enhance efforts in all areas.