A recent United Nations International Narcotics Control Board report expressed concern over the rise in the use of cocaine and excessive abuse of painkiller and cough syrups medicines. The study observed that "Pharmaceutical preparations" that are "sold without prescription in pharmacies" are "diverted from domestic distribution routes" and "trafficked into Bangladesh, and, in some cases, to Myanmar."

Besides, the study found that that the abuse of amphetamine-type stimulants, popularly known as party drugs, and cocaine are growing, particularly among the neo-rich population. In the north-eastern states, although it has been banned in some states, the abuse of dextropropoxyphene has also increased significantly in recent years.

While South Asia is only a transitory route and not the main trafficking hub as West Asia is, the report cautions the governments of the region that the availability of drugs stimulates illicit markets leading to more abuse. Further, adoption of unsafe practices, such as syringe-sharing, is one of the key reasons for the spread of HIV/AIDS in the region.