U.N. Report Slams Drug Decriminalization in Latin America

Recent moves to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana and other drugs in Latin American nations could “undermine national and international efforts to combat the abuse of and illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs,” according to the annual report of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

The Christian Science Monitor reported Feb. 24 that the document was critical of nations like Mexico, which last year decriminalized possession of marijuana, heroin and cocaine. “The movement poses a threat to the coherence and effectiveness of the international drug control system and sends the wrong message to the general public,” the INCB said in its 2009 annual report.

Drug-reform groups said the INCB was exceeding its mandate and interfering with the operations of sovereign nations.