Algeria calls for international classification of Pregabalin

Algeria has called for the international classification of certain substances, specifically Pregabalin, to combat rising illicit trafficking and non-medical use. This proposal was made by Tarek Kour, Director General of the National Office for the Fight Against Drugs and Drug Addiction (ONLCDT), during the conclusion of the 33rd meeting of the Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies in Africa (HONLEA-Africa) held in Vienna.

Because Pregabalin is not currently subject to international control, officials noted an increasing risk of the substance being diverted from therapeutic uses, leading to severe social and individual consequences. Algeria aims to include the illicit trafficking of Pregabalin on the agenda for the next HONLEA-Africa session to foster knowledge sharing, expertise exchange, and better intelligence regarding trafficking routes and misuse methods across the African continent.