In response to the growing concern over the abuse of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), Taiwan Food and Drug Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare organizes the 2017 International Conference on New Psychoactive Substances: Challenges and Strategies on 6 September. Scholars, experts, and regulators from U.S.A., Korea and Hong Kong will attend this conference and exchange control strategies with regulators, academic associations, and medical professionals in Taiwan. The results of this conference will play a crucial role in fortifying the enforcement and regulation of controlled substances in Taiwan.

       A massive number of NPS have hit the market in recent years. The huge variability of NPS’ chemical structures means that it is more challenging for regulators to prosecute and indict the miscreants involved. Different types of NPS are also often mixed and packed into tea bags, instant coffee packs, drinks or cigarettes. This kind of packaging let people’s guard down and accidentally fall into the trap of narcotics.

       NPS poses significant risks to human health and society. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), there has been an accumulated 739 NPS reported from 2009 through 2016. The number of newly reported NPS has also seen a gradual growth annually. Therefore, UNODC has urged all countries to address the abuse of NPS and enforce appropriate control and management measures.

       The 2017 International Conference on New Psychoactive Substances presents an impressive lineup of international speakers, including,

• Terrence L. Boos, Section Chief of the Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section, US Drug Enforcement Administration
• Jeffrey M. Connors, Diversion Regional Manager, US Drug Enforcement Administration
• John A. Pacella, Diversion Investigator, US Drug Enforcement Administration
• Heesun Chung, Dean, Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, South Korea
• Yuet-Wah Cheung, Distinguished Professor and Academic Head, Department of Sociology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University

The international speakers will share updates on the prevalence and control of NPS in their respective countries and discuss the harm and treatment of NPS. The exchange of best practices and perspectives will help align Taiwan’s substance control measures with international standards and achieve our goal of effective control and prevention of NPS to safeguard people’s health.