CARICC Discusses Prospects for Strengthening Regional Cooperation in Countering Drug Threats

On 28 October 2026, a meeting was held at the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) with representatives of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG). The meeting was attended by Mikhail Melikhov, Adviser to the CSTO Secretariat, and Mikhail Kolinchenko, Adviser to the EAG Secretariat.

The meeting took place within the framework of the International Anti-Drug Operation “Channel – Caspian Lighthouse” conducted by the CSTO Member States’ Coordination Council of Competent Authorities on Combating Drug Trafficking (25–31 October 2026) in Almaty.

The parties discussed prospects for strengthening practical cooperation in countering transnational drug threats, illicit drug trafficking and money laundering. Particular attention was paid to the use of digital distribution channels, virtual assets and cross-border financial schemes by criminal networks, as well as the need to enhance joint information analysis and the timely identification of emerging threats.

The parties also discussed the possibility of leveraging the EAG’s expertise to identify financial indicators of drug-related crime and establish links between drug trafficking and money laundering.

Participants further considered prospects for linking the initiative with CARICC’s regional drug threat early warning system, which envisages the analysis of information on new psychoactive substances, synthetic drugs, precursors, trafficking routes and digital distribution channels.

Following the meeting, the parties expressed interest in continuing expert consultations and further developing practical steps, including the preparation of a cooperation roadmap. CARICC reaffirmed its readiness to serve as a coordination platform for advancing the initiative together with interested partners.