Meeting of CARICC and USA delegations on the sidelines of international forum in Samarkand

CARICC delegation met with delegation of the United States of America led by Mr. Mark Tervakoski, Director of the Europe and Asia Office of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), U.S. Department of State.

During the meeting parties discussed current topics related to strengthening cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking and related transnational threats in the region. Particular attention was paid to exchange of intelligence and analytical information, streamlining mechanisms for interagency cooperation, and building capacity of law enforcement agencies in CARICC participating countries.

Meeting participants exchanged views on latest trends in drug situation, including growing prevalence of new psychoactive substances, use of digital platforms and cryptocurrencies by criminal networks, and expansion of cross-border drug trafficking routes.

Special focus was given to training and professional development for specialists, designing joint educational programs, delivering technical assistance and expert support.

Parties also discussed a number of promising initiatives aimed at taking cooperation to a fundamentally new level, including:

development of information-sharing platforms using artificial intelligence technologies;

conducting and coordinating joint operations;

expanding participation in regional and international projects under the auspices of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Summing up the meeting, parties confirmed mutual interest in further strengthening their partnership, highlighting the importance of consolidating international community’s efforts to combat modern drug threats.