The Secretary-General regularly issues an Annual Summary of Laws and Regulations relating to the control of narcotic drugs. The legislations show in general the same trends as could be observed in earlier years. Such factors as new synthetic developments and new international narcotic treaties continue to guide the course of governmental action and tend to create an increasing similarity of national legislation in this field. The extension of national control to synthetic narcotic drugs, which have been brought under international control through the application of the 1948 Protocol, has continued to engage the attention of the legislative and executive branches of the governments in a number of States, including some which have not yet become parties to the 1948 Protocol.
Several laws show a medical approach to the problem of drug addiction.
India and Pakistan have extended total prohibition of opium smoking to certain parts, while subjecting opium smoking to control in others. Opium smoking assemblies are prohibited in India, in Jammu and Kashmir and in Pakistan. In Malaya, opium smoking and the keeping and frequenting of opium dens are absolutely prohibited. Two laws appear to be of special interest to the readers of the Bulletin and, therefore, will be presented here. The copy of the statement and order of the court shall be served personally upon the patient by the United States Marshal.