The report draws governments' attention to gaps and weaknesses in national control and in treaty compliance. It also recommends improvements at both the national and international levels. A section on the operation of the international drug control system focuses on narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, substances often used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and the demand for and supply of opiates for medical and scientific needs. An analysis of the world situation in terms of drug trafficking and drug law enforcement efforts focuses on the following continents and regions: Africa, East and Southeast Asia, Oceania, South Asia, Near and Middle East, Europe, North America, and South and Central America and the Caribbean. In an overview the report concludes that despite some encouraging developments and resolute pursuit of antidrug measures by countries at the community, national, regional, bilateral, and multilateral levels, the drug abuse situation worldwide remains grim. Illicit production, trafficking, and abuse of drugs, together with attendant violence and corruption, continue to imperil public health in virtually all countries, to undermine economies, and to wreak environmental devastation.