Russia’s Fedotov takes office as new chief of the UN’s Office on Drugs and Crime

New UN drugs czar takes office

VIENNA — Russia’s Yury Fedotov has taken office as United Nation’s new drugs and crime czar.

Fedotov, a veteran diplomat who until recently was the Kremlin’s top envoy to Britain, replaces Italy’s Antonio Maria Costa as the head of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime and will also oversee the U.N. office in the Austrian capital.

Fedotov said in a statement Monday that he wants to focus on public health and human rights. He also said that drug users need “humane and effective treatment,” and not punishment.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he picked Fedotov for the post because of his credentials, experience and expertise.

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