Carter Speaks at U.N. Narcotic Drugs Commission

Director of White House Drug Policy Office addresses global drug crisis

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Sara Carter, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, delivered remarks at the 69th Session of the United Nations' Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, Austria. Carter spoke about the Trump administration's efforts to combat the global drug crisis, including Operation Southern Spear in the Caribbean Sea, the apprehension of Venezuelan dictator Maduro, and the U.S. designation of fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.

Why it matters

The global drug trade and the opioid epidemic have devastated communities worldwide, leading to millions of overdose deaths. Carter's speech at the U.N. Commission highlights the U.S. government's renewed focus on disrupting drug trafficking networks, seizing illicit narcotics, and working with international partners to address the crisis.

The details

In her remarks, Carter discussed the U.S. government's recent actions, including Operation Southern Spear in the Caribbean Sea and the successful apprehension of Venezuelan dictator Maduro. She also noted Mexico's elimination of cartel leader "el Mencho". Carter emphasized the need for strengthened global cooperation to target drug cartels, their funding mechanisms, and the flow of chemical precursors from China that are fueling the opioid crisis.

  • Carter delivered her remarks at the 69th Session of the United Nations' Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, Austria on March 9, 2026.
  • Last year, the U.S. seized over 47 million fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills and nearly 100,000 pounds of fentanyl powder, representing almost 369 million lethal doses.

The players

Sara Carter

Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Donald J. Trump

President of the United States during the time of Carter's remarks.

Pete Hegseth

Secretary of War who convened a meeting with military and security leaders of the Western Hemisphere to discuss combating drug cartels.

Maduro

A Venezuelan dictator who was apprehended as part of the U.S. government's efforts.

"el Mencho"

A notorious cartel leader who was eliminated by the Mexican government.

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What they’re saying

“First, Mr. Chair, allow me to congratulate you on your appointment and assure you of our full cooperation to work with you to have a successful session. Thank you very much.”

— Sara Carter, Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (Mirage News)

“I join you all today not only to speak for the United States of America, but to give a voice to the mothers and fathers of murdered children…The families torn apart…The communities ravaged…And the millions of Americans who cannot join us today because their lives were cut short by illicit drugs.”

— Sara Carter, Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (Mirage News)

“But now we must double down…We must bring the fight to where these criminal networks stash their poisons, store their money, ship their deadly inventory, and feel the safest.”

— Sara Carter, Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (Mirage News)

What’s next

The U.S. government will continue to work with international partners to target drug trafficking networks, seize illicit narcotics, and disrupt the flow of chemical precursors from China that are fueling the opioid crisis.

The takeaway

The global drug trade and opioid epidemic have devastated communities worldwide, leading to millions of overdose deaths. The Trump administration's renewed focus on disrupting drug cartels, seizing illicit drugs, and working with international partners represents a critical step in addressing this crisis and saving lives.