Vienna: Hossein Zolfaghari, the secretary general of the Drug Control Headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran, stated on Monday that unilateral and cruel sanctions on Iranian citizens and the government have not only hindered efforts to combat drug trafficking but have also increased the costs of healthcare programs.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Zolfaghari made these remarks during the 68th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), which is taking place from March 10 to 14, 2025, in Vienna, Austria. He called for an end to the sanctions and emphasized the need for effective technical and equipment support for countries on the frontline of combating drug trafficking. This support is aimed at facilitating the implementation of various resolutions from the CND and the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The Iranian official offered advice for effectively addressing this global issue, highlighting the need for enhanced collaboration, improved data and experience exchanges, technical assistance, and the provision of necessary equipment and technologies to countries affected by the cultivation, production, and transit of drugs.

Zolfaghari is scheduled to hold bilateral and multilateral talks with the directors of the CND, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the International Narcotics Control Board, as well as ministers and delegations of other nations during his visit.