The INCB launched its 2001 annual report in Guyana about two weeks ago, observing that most countries in South America, including Guyana, have established comprehensive strategies for reducing drug demand.

The Board said it was pleased to note that there was increasing awareness in the region about the importance of evaluating the incidence of drug abuse in order to prevent it more effectively.

On the basis of analysis and in the light of recent world events, the Board felt the following developments may occur if action is not taken at the national and international levels:

** Opportunities for all forms of crime may increase as `online' (Internet) communications, finance and commerce expand. The growth and interdependence of national economies will make it easier for criminal organisations to blend their operations into legitimate economic activity.

** Trans-national crime may increase as networks make cross-border crimes easier to commit.

** Organised crime may continue to exploit technological advances for offensive and defensive purposes. The 'IT (Information Technology) warrior' will become an indispensable component of organised criminal groups.

** Electronic money-laundering may increase with the growth of online financial service companies, especially if measures against money laundering remain a low priority and if offshore companies continue to offer anonymity and protection from investigation. Underground banking systems will also enjoy greater security through the use of information technology.

** Drug-related crime may expand; such crime will be committed by a larger number of people, many of whom will not be members of organised criminal groups, nor will they fit to any criminal profile.
** Minors may increasingly commit crimes involving information technology as new generations achieve computer literacy at an earlier age.
** Criminal organisations may exploit scientific developments in order to invest more heavily in the production of synthetic drugs for the illicit market.
** Law enforcement may have less capacity to conduct interception and surveillance activities as drug trafficking organisations increasingly adopt encryption and other means of concealment.
** Jurisdiction without adequate laws against crime involving information technology may become sanctuaries.
** Traditional frameworks for extradition and mutual legal assistance may be stretched to their limits.

The international drug control treaties require INCB to prepare an annual report on its work. This annual report contains an analysis of the drug control situation worldwide so that governments are kept aware of existing and potential situations that may endanger the objectives of the international drug control treaties.

INCB draws the attention of governments to gaps and weaknesses in the national control and in treaty compliance; it also makes suggestions and recommendations for improvements at both the national and international levels.

The annual report is based on information provided by governments to INCB, United Nations entities and other organisations.

It also uses information provided through other international organisations, such as Interpol (the International Police Organisation) and the World Customs Organisation, as well as regional organisations.