Breaking news (506)
Meeting at the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Tajikistan
CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with State Counselor of Justice 3rd Class Umed Karimzoda, First Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Tajikistan, during his visit to Dushanbe on 3 November 2025.
CARICC Director thanked the General Prosecutor's Office for all-sided support of the Centre's activities, including information exchange on drug situation in the region and participation in counter-narcotics events.
Mr. Makhmud Khamidov provided a series of initiatives to further enhance the Centre's effectiveness, including upgrading its organizational structure and developing new areas of activity to counter cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs. They also focused on revamping information and analytical resources, boosting financial stability, and expanding international cooperation for CARICC.
Mr. Karimzoda highly commended the Centre's efforts, recognizing its significant contribution to coordinating counter-narcotics measures at the regional level, and reiterated commitment of the General Prosecutor's Office in its further support to CARICC initiatives.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to intensify practical cooperation in a number of priority areas and confirmed mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation between CARICC and the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Tajikistan.
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Meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan
A meeting between CARICC Director Makhmud Khamidov and Jamshed Khomidzoda, Head of the International Organizations Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, took place in Dushanbe on 3 November 2025.
At the beginning of the meeting CARICC Director expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan for its continued support of the Centre's activities, as well as for assistance in strengthening international and regional cooperation in the field of combating drug trafficking.
During the talks Mr. Khamidov presented a number of proposals aimed at further improving the Centre's effectiveness, including improving its organizational structure and developing new areas of activity, particularly in the field of countering cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs.
In turn, Mr. Jamshed Khomidzoda noted CARICC's significant contribution to coordinating counter-narcotics efforts at the regional level, emphasizing its important role as a platform for information exchange and joint decision making. He also reaffirmed willingness of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue supporting the Centre's initiatives.
Following the meeting parties agreed to accelerate practical cooperation in a number of priority areas and confirmed mutual interest in further developing and strengthening cooperation between CARICC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan.
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Meeting with Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan
Director of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and their Precursors (CARICC) Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with Colonel General Ramazon Rakhimzoda, Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, during his visit to Dushanbe on 3 November 2025.
At the beginning of the meeting CARICC Director expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Internal Affairs for comprehensive support of the Centre's activities, including information exchange on drug situation in the region and participation in counter-narcotics events.
In the course of talks Mr. Makhmud Khamidov presented a number of initiatives aimed at further improving efficiency of the Centre's work, including improving its organizational structure and developing new areas of activity to counter cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs.
They also discussed matters related to updating information and analytical resources, building financial stability, and extending CARICC international cooperation.
Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Ramazon Rakhimzoda highly valued activities of the Centre, highlighting its significant contribution to coordination of counter-narcotics efforts at regional level, and confirmed readiness of the Ministry to further support CARICC initiatives.
Following the meeting parties agreed to intensify practical cooperation in a number of priority areas and confirmed mutual interest in further strengthening collaboration between CARICC and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan.
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Meeting with Director of the Drug Control Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan
CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with Major General Zafar Samad, Director of the Drug Control Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, during his visit to Dushanbe on 3 November 2025.
CARICC Director thanked Mr. Zafar Samad for regular participation in CARICC events and comprehensive support of the Centre's activities.
Mr. Makhmud Khamidov outlined a number of initiatives aimed at further improving the Centre's effectiveness, including enhancing its organizational structure and developing new areas of activity to counter cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs.
Modernizing information and analytical resources, strengthening financial stability, and expanding CARICC international cooperation were also discussed.
Director of the Drug Control Agency spoke highly of the Centre's performance, particularly its work in coordinating multilateral counter-narcotics operations at the regional level. He expressed readiness to continue supporting CARICC initiatives.
After the meeting the parties agreed to boost practical cooperation in a number of priority areas for CARICC. They also expressed mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation between CARICC and the Drug Control Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan.
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Meeting with liaison officer of Germany
Delegation of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) headed by Director Mr. M. Khamidov met with Mr. Gregor Zboralski, Liaison Officer of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Astana on 31 October 2025.
During the meeting CARICC Director informed the German counterpart about the Centre's current efforts and introduced a number of proposals aimed at enhancing its work. Particular attention was paid to the development of new areas of activity, including countering cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs.
Assistance was sought in supporting these initiatives and enhancing bilateral cooperation. CARICC staff delivered a presentation on key areas of focus and performance results.
German liaison officer indicated interest in CARICC initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation mechanisms in combating drug trafficking and stated readiness to contribute to their implementation.
The parties discussed prospects for further expanding collaboration, including possible joint counter-narcotics operations, exchange of operational information, and strengthening expert interaction.
In conclusion, the German liaison officer assured to support CARICC activities towards strengthening regional cooperation and was confident in further development of practical cooperation.
The meeting proceeded in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, confirming high level of trust and the parties' determination to deepen partnership in combating illicit drug trafficking.
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https://www.caricc.org/index.php/en/news#sigProIdddbfc30a9e
Meeting with Head of the OSCE Programme Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan
CARICC Director Mr. Makhmud Khamidov met with Head of the OSCE Programme Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan Ambassador Alexey Rogov in Almaty on 29 October 2025.
At the beginning of the meeting CARICC Director congratulated Mr. Rogov on his appointment as Head of the OSCE Programme Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan and wished him every success in his professional life.
Mr. Khamidov underscored the importance of expanding cooperation between CARICC and OSCE in countering drug trafficking.
For the purpose of enhancement of CARICC operations, Mr. Khamidov presented proposals for optimization of the Centre's organizational structure, launch of new areas of activity (in particular, countering cyber threats and trafficking of synthetic drugs), modernizing information and analytical resources, and initiatives aimed at strengthening financial stability and expanding international partnerships.
Ambassador Rogov expressed readiness of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana to further support CARICC initiatives aimed at improving its activities and strengthening regional cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking.
A mutual agreement was achieved to take collaboration to a new level by exploring the possibility of signing a relevant memorandum in the near future and approving a roadmap for implementation of joint projects.
The meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere and in the spirit of constructive dialogue, demonstrating high level of interest of the parties in further deepening practical cooperation under joint projects on tackling drug crime.
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https://www.caricc.org/index.php/en/news#sigProIda73a488728
Meeting with Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Lieutenant General Yerzhan Sadenov during his visit to Astana on 11 October 2025.
At the beginning, CARICC Director thanked the Minister of Internal Affairs for comprehensive support in implementing the Centre's mandate to facilitate and execute counter-narcotics operations and to exchange information on drug situation. He highlighted the role of the Ministry of Internal Affairs as the competent central authority of the Republic of Kazakhstan coordinating cooperation with CARICC at national level.
Mr. Khamidov presented a set of initiatives aimed at improving the Centre's organizational structure and launching new areas of work, including in the field of countering cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs, to further enhance the Centre's effectiveness. He also mentioned upgrading information and analytical resources, reinforcing financial stability, and expanding the geography of CARICC's international cooperation.
Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov highly evaluated the Centre's performance, marking its significant contribution to coordination of counter-narcotics cooperation at regional level, and reaffirmed readiness to extend further support to CARICC initiatives. Kazakhstan side indicated interest in regular participation by the leadership of the Centre in relevant events organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
At the end of the meeting, parties agreed to step up practical cooperation in a number of priority areas and confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation between CARICC and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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Expanding analytical cooperation between CARICC and the Committee for Legal Statistics and Special Records of the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan
A working meeting between representatives of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) and the Committee for Legal Statistics and Special Records of the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held online on 14 October 2025.
This meeting was a follow-up to agreements reached during official visit of CARICC Director M. Khamidov to Astana on 10 October 2025. Main topic of discussion was expansion of cooperation in analytical activities and digitalization of mechanisms to combat drug crime, including in cyberspace.
Parties expressed interest in enhancing information exchange, including exchange of consolidated statistics, forensic reports, and operationally relevant information for preparation of comprehensive regional reviews and drug threat assessments. Particular attention was paid to ensuring comparability, relevance, and applicability of data in practical work of law enforcement agencies.
Committee's information on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies in legal statistics system, including the ability to predict risks, monitor digital platforms, and identify new synthetic drugs, was of particular interest. CARICC expressed readiness to adapt similar solutions at the regional level.
They discussed interaction mechanisms based on the National Interagency Targeting Center and the Centralized Database, including potential connectivity to CARICC analytical modules. The sides confirmed their intention to work on joint modernization of these resources, including ensuring cross-access to relevant information systems in compliance with confidentiality requirements.
Participants discussed possible signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CARICC and the Committee and preparation of a joint Action Plan for 2026 (so-called Roadmap). It is expected that the document will cover analytical, scientific, and educational areas of activity.
The meeting took place in a constructive and professional atmosphere, demonstrating mutual interest of both parties in building a sustainable analytical partnership. Following the dialogue, the parties agreed to begin coordinating the draft Memorandum and technical specifications of the Roadmap. Particular emphasis will be placed on integrating analytics, AI, and forecasting into the practice of combating drug crime, including in cross-border and digital dimensions.
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Enhancing cooperation in analytical capacity and countering drug crime in cyberspace
A working meeting between representatives of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) and the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held online on 14 October 2025. It was a logical follow-up to agreements reached during CARICC leadership's visit to Astana on 10 October 2025.
Participants focused primarily on developing analytical and scientific-methodological expertise within both organizations to strengthen effectiveness of countering drug crime, particularly in light of growing threats in cyberspace.
Key topics of the meeting included:
- expanding bilateral cooperation in combating drug trafficking using digital platforms and internet resources;
- introduction of joint analytical mechanisms for monitoring and identifying drug threats in cyber space;
- shaping institutional framework for cooperation: provisions of draft Memorandum/Agreement on Cooperation and draft Plan of Practical Measures (“Roadmap”) for 2026 were discussed;
- preparation of joint research and information-analytical publications, including for subsequent use in law enforcement practice in CARICC participating countries;
- identification of priority areas for future training and practical activities, including training courses and simulation exercises at the Academy and CARICC.
Parties expressed their mutual interest in forming a sustainable expert dialogue, exchanging methodologies, and jointly developing evidence-based approaches to combating drug crime in cross-border and digital dimensions.
It is planned to align texts of key documents regulating cooperation in the nearest future and to start preparation of joint events for 2026.
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International scientific and practical conference “A Future Without Drugs”
International scientific and practical conference “A Future Without Drugs” was held at the Almaty Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan named after Makan Esbulatov in Almaty on 10 October 2025.
The event was organized jointly with the Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the US Embassy in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the US Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Office in Almaty
The event gathered law enforcement officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and experts from international organizations.
The conference addressed the problem of the spread of synthetic drugs, including via the Internet.
CARICC representative briefed on activities of the Centre as a regional intergovernmental body assisting in organization and coordination of international operations to combat illicit drug trafficking. He highlighted emerging drug situation in Central Asia with regard to synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS).
He also presented an initiative by CARICC and the UNODC Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran, and Pakistan to develop and implement a pilot phase of a regional early warning system for synthetic drugs and NPS in Central Asia.
Discussions resulted in developing priority areas for multilateral cooperation on effectively countering international drug crime.
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Meeting at the Committee for National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan
CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with heads of specialized departments of the Committee for National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Committee Major General Askhat Tuleuov, at the premises of the Committee in Astana on 11 October 2025.
CARICC Director thanked Kazakhstan side for wide-ranging support to CARICC activities. He pointed out the role of the Committee for National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan in implementation of international joint operational activities with CARICC on controlled delivery.
Both sides reviewed current drug situation in CARICC's area of responsibility, and discussed growing threats related to the spread of synthetic drugs, including through the use of internet resources and digital platforms.
To improve effectiveness of anti-drug activities, Mr. Khamidov announced proposals to upgrade CARICC's work, including launching new areas of activity (particularly in countering cyber threats and trafficking in synthetic drugs), modernizing information and analytical resources, and implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening financial stability and expanding the geography of international cooperation.
Given the location of CARICC in the Republic of Kazakhstan and with a view to stepping up operational activities, Mr. Khamidov also proposed considering the possibility of expanding the geography of joint counter-narcotics operations coordinated by the Centre, including with participation of competent authorities of the CIS member states.
The Committee representatives highly appreciated CARICC's activities in facilitating international anti-drug operations. They reaffirmed their preparedness to provide strong support to CARICC's initiatives aimed at improving its activities and strengthening regional cooperation in combating drug trafficking.
After the talks, the parties agreed to further their joint efforts to improve effectiveness of CARICC's activities and confirmed their shared interest in strengthening practical collaboration between CARICC and the Committee for National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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About the meeting at the Committee on Legal Statistics and Special Records of the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan
On October 10, 2025, as part of the visit of CARIC Director Colonel Mahmud Khamidov to Astana, a meeting was held with the Chairman of the Committee on Legal Statistics and Special Records of the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, State Counselor of Justice 3rd Class Sabit Nurlybaev.
During the meeting, representatives of the Committee gave a presentation on the implementation of digital solutions and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in analytical activities, including within the framework of the Operational Analysis Center (“target center”). Particular attention was paid to the use of AI for the early detection of new types of drugs, online resources related to their illegal trafficking, and the prediction of crime risks based on digital data.
The parties discussed prospects for deepening cooperation, including the signing of a memorandum and the approval of a roadmap for further cooperation on issues of mutual interest. An agreement was also reached to launch a joint initiative to introduce a regional early warning system for threats related to illicit drug trafficking, with the possibility of scaling it up in CARICOM member states.
The meeting took place in an atmosphere of constructive dialogue, confirming mutual interest in strengthening practical cooperation in the field of analytical work and digital transformation of anti-drug activities.
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