Algeria Pushes for International Controls on Pregabalin Trafficking

Algeria is pushing for stronger international controls on pregabalin after calling for the illicit trafficking and non-medical use of the drug to be placed on the agenda of the next meeting of African national drug law-enforcement chiefs.

The proposal was made by Tarek Kour, director general of Algeria’s National Office for the Fight Against Drugs and Drug Addiction (ONLCDT), at the conclusion of the 33rd meeting of the Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa (HONLEA-Africa), held in Vienna from September 8 to 11, 2026. Algeria also called for an international classification of substances such as pregabalin that are not currently subject to international drug controls.

Why Algeria is targeting pregabalin

Pregabalin is a prescription medicine used to treat conditions including epilepsy and neuropathic pain. Algeria’s authorities have increasingly treated its diversion and illicit trafficking as a serious public-security and public-health concern.

The ONLCDT said Algeria’s proposal reflects the growing spread of pregabalin in several countries and the risks created by its diversion for non-medical purposes. Because pregabalin is not currently included among internationally controlled substances, Algerian authorities argue that traffickers can exploit differences between national regulatory systems.

The issue is particularly significant for Algeria because of the quantities being intercepted by security services.

In August, Algeria’s Ministry of National Defence reported the seizure of approximately 1.8 million pregabalin 300 mg tablets and the arrest of 14 people in two operations targeting transnational organised-crime networks. The tablets were concealed inside a tanker truck.

A separate operation in April resulted in the seizure of another 1.5 million pregabalin tablets, according to the ministry.

A wider regional drug-control issue

Algeria’s proposal comes as African authorities seek closer cooperation against trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic substances.

HONLEA-Africa provides a regional forum for national drug-law enforcement agencies to coordinate responses to illicit drug trafficking. The 33rd session in Vienna brought together African officials and representatives of international organisations to discuss cooperation and coordination in tackling the drug trade.

For Algeria, the pregabalin issue therefore extends beyond domestic enforcement. By seeking discussion at the next HONLEA-Africa session, Algiers is attempting to encourage a coordinated African response while also raising the question of international controls.

The proposal does not call for legitimate medical use of pregabalin to be prohibited. Rather, Algeria is seeking tighter controls over its diversion and non-medical use, while maintaining access for patients who require the medicine.

Algeria has already recorded major seizures

The latest diplomatic initiative follows a series of large pregabalin seizures in Algeria.

In May 2026, Algerian authorities reported the seizure of more than 1.048 million pregabalin 300 mg tablets during an operation in the Tamanrasset military sector. Two suspected smugglers were arrested.

The repeated seizures have given Algeria a strong domestic basis for raising the issue internationally. They also illustrate why Algerian officials are seeking greater cooperation between law-enforcement agencies, customs authorities and regulatory bodies.

The next HONLEA-Africa session is now expected to provide a forum for further discussion of the issue. Algeria’s proposal could lead to recommendations on how African countries address pregabalin trafficking and its non-medical use, although any international classification would require processes beyond the African regional forum.