On 9 and 10 September in Vienna, the Network of Justices and Prosecutors United Against Synthetic Drugs Trafficking (JUST) brought together prosecutors and judicial experts from around the world for a dynamic exchange on international cooperation, judicial training, and the challenges countries and regions are facing in the fight against the use of synthetic drugs.
The sessions covered the evaluation of a UNODC virtual training course, synthetic drug production and trafficking, international judicial cooperation, and the development of a course in Spanish, French and Russian.
The EJN, represented by Hugh Dockry, particularly participated in the session on strengthening the international cooperation dimension of the meeting. Its expertise contributed to lively discussions on mutual legal assistance, joint investigations and extradition, underlining the importance of strong judicial networks and direct cooperation in tackling cross-border crime. Hugh also provided a presentation on the gaps in prosecuting synthetic drug cases.
Background:
On 19 May 2025, on the margins of the 33rd session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched the Justices United Against Synthetics Trafficking (JUST) initiative as a key element of its strategic response to synthetic drugs. Implemented by the Border Management Branch (BMB) Criminal Network Disruption Team (GPCD), the initiative aims to create an international peer network of prosecutors and judges to enhance collaboration and support the effective prosecution and adjudication of synthetic drug cases. The inaugural meeting was in Bangkok in October 2025.