Sudan has raised alarm over the escalating drug crisis in the country, attributing it to the activities of rebel militias that have taken control of drug-producing areas and disrupted national anti-drug efforts. 

Speaking at the 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Magdi Ahmed Mufaddal, called for urgent international assistance to combat the growing threat.

The ambassador emphasized that the occupation of Al-Radoom Natural Reserve in South Darfur by rebel forces has exacerbated drug production and trafficking, further fueling instability in the country. 

He revealed that Sudanese authorities had recently seized a Captagon pill manufacturing plant linked to the rebels in the Garri refinery area after its liberation in January 2025. Additionally, he accused the militia of smuggling drugs both within Sudan and across neighboring borders, worsening the regional narcotics problem.

Sudan’s anti-drug infrastructure has also suffered significant damage, with key facilities, including the General Administration for Drug Control, being destroyed by the militia. 

Ambassador Mufaddal called for global support in rebuilding these institutions and providing logistical, scientific, and training assistance to strengthen Sudan’s capacity to combat drug trafficking.

Reaffirming Sudan’s commitment to international anti-drug agreements, including the three UN conventions and the 2009 Political Declaration and Action Plan, the ambassador stressed the need for enhanced regional and global cooperation to tackle the increasing challenge of synthetic drug smuggling and rising drug abuse.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has complicated national efforts to fight drug-related crimes, and authorities warn that without international intervention, the situation could further deteriorate, posing a larger security threat to the region.