International normative framework against illicit drug trafficking by sea: Conventions and Agenda 2030

This article aims to analyse the international normative framework concerning illicit drug trafficking (IDT) by sea. Through a content analysis, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982 (UNCLOS 1982) and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988 (Convention 1988) were examined. The provisions of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) werealso examined in order to establish the type of connection with the threat of illicit drug trafficking by sea. The results present Article 108 of the UNCLOS and Article 17 of the 1988 Convention as among the major international efforts to confront illicit drug trafficking through international cooperation. Moreover, on a cognitive map, 8 SDGs were identified that are directly linked to maritime security in the fight against IDT, which have been grouped into 5 factors. Addressing the threat comprehensively enables progress towards more effective approaches to tackling the issue of IDT.