On July 29, the Observer reported on "gross mismanagement and possible corruption" at the UN Office of Drug Control.
The article claimed staff morale is at "rock bottom" and that the contract of executive director Pino Arlacchi will not be renewed when it expires in February, 2002. Arlacchi is a former Italian senator who made his name fighting the Mafia.

Some of the excessive spending listed by the Observer included hundreds of thousands of dollars for redecorating the offices of senior officials, buying new cars and excessive numbers of portable phones. Also listed was the purchase of several large television sets, satellite dishes and valuable Chinese vases, none of which can now be found.

- The Observer: www.observer.co.uk
- The UN Office of Drug Control and Crime Prevention: www.odccp.org