The Political Declaration and Plan on Action on International Cooperation towards an integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem was adopted at the high-level segment of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in 2009. Member States pledged to work together to combat the scourge of drugs, a threat to the entire international community. A high-level review of the implementation by Member Stares will take place at the 57th CND in 2014.

Throughout the years, Israel has expressed a strong commitment to the global efforts to combat drug abuse, with a strong emphasis on protecting the young generation from falling victim to this phenomenon. I take this opportunity to share with all distinguished participants present today, the key endeavors in our national drug control efforts.

Israel's national drug control policy continues to promote a comprehensive approach centered on health, human rights, and balanced demand and supply reduction. The key goal is to ensure a society where illicit drug use is not an accepted way of life and to ensure available and suitable services for those in need.

The prevention and education activities are geared towards the youth and young adults, who represent the target population. Demand reduction efforts are characterized by a comprehensive and integrated evidence-based approach, with measures ranging from primary prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and harm reduction measures. These efforts ensure the health and well-being of the entire society. A widespread treatment system offers a range of interventions adapted to the patient's needs. Gender, age and cultural differences are key variables for developing adequate responses, which target the entire spectrum of the society, from the drug addicted victims, to their families and communities. Treatment is offered in prison settings. As part of this comprehensive approach, needle exchange programs are available and have successfully contributed to halving the cases of HIV/AIDS among IDUs.

Mr. Chairman,

Israel takes an active role in the international efforts to control drug abuse in line with the principle of common and shared responsibility. Israel has developed a unique training module geared towards professionals, from government and non-government organizations in developing countries, involved in all areas related to alcohol and drugs. The UNODC has become a key partner in this training project. The UNODC's Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice has recently sent a mission to Israel to learn best practices, which it can share with the rest of the member states. And in terms of cooperation with European partners, Israel is the newest member to the Council of Europe's Pompidou Group, and will be hosting an expert group meeting on "Prevention and Treatment for Youth" in Israel this month. Ongoing cooperation with the EU's European Monitoring Center on Drugs and Drug Addiction is also an essential aspect of our work, particularly in ensuring an effective monitoring system in the country to support evidence based national policy.

The State of Israel is a consuming country and drugs enter the country through land, sea and air-borders. In 2012, there was an increase in seizures of hashish and heroin in comparison to the previous year.  There was also an increase in the seizure of methamphetamine Yaba tablets which continue to arrive from Southeast-Asia – mainly through postal services. Seizures of marijuana have declined over the past years.

The growing popularity of new psychoactive substances, particularly among the youth, pose a great concern to the international community, Israel included.  These drugs are openly sold in over 3,500 convenience stores across the country and raise an estimated 200,000 Euros per month. They are modified at such a fast rate that regulatory norms and law enforcement efforts cannot keep up. In 2013, Israel has issued a new ordinance which grants law enforcement authorities powers to seize and destroy substances considered to be "dangerous substances".

The abuse of synthetic drugs among youth aged 12-18 has decreased from 6% to 3%. This has been attributed to combined prevention and awareness campaigns on the risks of new psychoactive substances, together with legislative efforts.

Countering money-laundering and promoting judicial cooperation is integral to Israel's drug control efforts. Several legal and regulatory steps have been taken to prevent money laundering and illicit financial flows, and to confiscate and recover illicit assets.

Israel is party to all three international UN conventions on drugs and the UNOTC (United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime). One of the steps to implement the provision against money laundering of the 1988 convention was the establishment of the Israel Money Laundering and Terror Financing Prohibition Authority in 2002, under the Prohibition on Money Laundering Law 2000.

At the national and international level, Israel cooperates with relevant entities for the purpose of confiscating the proceeds of crimes. The proceeds of crimes confiscated from illicit drugs cases are re-allocated towards national drug prevention, treatment and law-enforcement activities. Bilateral and international agreements provide the necessary channels for cooperation with other countries in confiscating the proceeds of crime, mutual legal assistance and extradition.

Mr. Chairman,

The fight against drugs must be a collaborative undertaking that spans across the globe, and Israel pledges to do its part. We look forward to working with the rest of the international community to further this critical effort. Thank you for your attention.