Breaking news (518)
CARICC and UNODC held a regional workshop on detecting synthetic drugs
Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan hosted a hybrid Regional Workshop on Identification of Synthetic Drugs, including NPS, and Development of Reporting Formats in Line with International Quality Management Standards between 10 and 14 November 2025.
The event brought together representatives of law enforcement agencies, ministries of health and justice, and forensic experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and international experts.
The seminar was organized jointly with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran, and Pakistan, with financial support from the US State Department Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
Increased detection of clandestine laboratories manufacturing synthetic and other drugs in CARICC member states indicates growing synthetic drug production in the region.
In this connection, CARICC and the UNODC Regional Office are exploring the possibility of introducing early warning systems (EWS) that will facilitate information exchange between competent authorities on new types of drugs, enable timely assessment of risks to public health, and develop adequate measures to respond to this threat.
The event concluded with participants developing relevant recommendations for implementation of early warning systems (EWS).
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Meeting at the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan
During his visit to Baku on 14 November 2025 CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan Major General of Customs Service Guloglan Muradli.
During the talks CARICC Director outlined several proposals designed to boost the Centre's performance, including upgrading its organizational structure and developing new activities to counter cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs.
The State Customs Committee leadership expressed high praise for the Centre's activities in coordinating counter-narcotics operations at the international level. It reaffirmed its readiness to support CARICC initiatives.
The parties also discussed practical cooperation on a number of priority areas and confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation between CARICC and the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and in expanding cooperation with the Regional Office for Capacity Building for the World Customs Organization located in Baku.
Meeting at the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan
CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with Deputy Head of the Directorate General of the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan Colonel Ilgar Huseynov in Baku on 14 November 2025.
CARICC Director thanked the counterpart for comprehensive support of CARICC activities. He highlighted the capacity of the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan in implementation of international operational actions using the controlled delivery method.
To make anti-drug efforts more effective, Mr. Khamidov suggested ways to improve how the CARICC works, including starting new projects (like countering cyber threats and synthetic drug trafficking), modernizing information and analytical resources, and implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening financial stability and expanding geography of international cooperation.
Mr. Huseynov highly appreciated the work carried out by CARICC in facilitating international counter-narcotics operations. He confirmed readiness to provide comprehensive support to CARICC initiatives aimed at improving its activities and strengthening regional cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking.
Upon conclusion, the parties agreed to intensify joint efforts to improve effectiveness of CARICC's activities and confirmed their mutual interest in strengthening practical cooperation between CARICC and the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Meeting at the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan
CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan State Counselor of Justice 2nd Class Elmar Jamalov in Baku on 14 November 2025.
To begin with, Mr. Khamidov presented a range of initiatives aimed at further improving the Centre's performance, including enhancing its organizational structure and developing new areas of activity to counter cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs. They also talked about upgrading information and analytical resources, strengthening financial stability, and expanding international cooperation.
Mr. Jamalov highly valued the Centre's activities, highlighting its significant contribution to coordinating counter-narcotics efforts at the regional level, and confirmed readiness of the General Prosecutor's Office to continue supporting CARICC initiatives.
Upon conclusion of the meeting, parties agreed to step up 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 Azerbaijan.
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Meeting with the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan
As part of a visit to Baku CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Colonel General of Police Vilayat Eyvazov on 13 November 2025.
CARICC Director thanked the Minister of Internal Affairs for comprehensive support of the Centre's activities, including ensuring financial stability, information exchange on drug situation in the region, and participation in anti-drug events.
During talks CARICC Director shared a series of initiatives to make the Centre even more effective, including improving its organizational structure, developing new ways to combat cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs.
They also discussed modernization of information and analytical resources, strengthening financial stability, and expanding CARICC's international cooperation.
The Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan highly appreciated the Centre's activities, mentioning its significant input in coordinating counter-narcotics efforts at the regional level, and confirmed the Ministry's readiness to keep supporting CARICC initiatives.
As a result of the meeting the parties agreed to intensify 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 Azerbaijan.
Meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic
CARICC Director Mr. Makhmud Khamidov met with Mr. Melis Mamadaliev, Head of the Department of International Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, in Bishkek on 11 November 2025.
CARICC Director introduced a range of propositions aimed at further improving the Centre's efficiency, 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. He informed that following discussions in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, these countries had agreed to implement these initiatives, including the transition to equal share funding for CARICC.
He added that these proposals are planned to be discussed at upcoming meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC Member States in Samarkand on 5 December 2025.
In response, Mr. Melis Mamadaliev acknowledged the Centre's significant contribution to coordinating counter-narcotics efforts at the regional level, emphasizing its importance as an effective platform for information exchange and joint decision-making. He also reiterated commitment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic to continue supporting CARICC initiatives.
Upon conclusion of the meeting, parties agreed to boost practical cooperation in a number of priority areas and confirmed mutual intention to further develop and consolidate cooperation between CARICC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic.
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Meeting with Chairman of the State Customs Service of the Kyrgyz Republic
CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov paid a working visit to Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Republic, on 10 November 2025 and met with Mr. Almaz Saliev, Chairman of the State Customs Service under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.
During the talks CARICC Director briefed participants on the Centre's current activities, highlighting its key role in coordinating efforts of Central Asian countries in combating illicit drug trafficking.
Focus was on initiatives to enhance the work of CARICC, including developing new areas of activity related to countering the spread of synthetic drugs in cyberspace and strengthening the Centre's analytical capacity.
They also discussed ways to upgrade information and analytical resources, strengthen financial stability, and expand international cooperation.
Mr. Khamidov presented proposals on possible mechanisms for shaping the Centre's budget, emphasizing the need to consolidate efforts of participating states to secure the stable functioning of the organization and enhance effectiveness of its activities.
Chairman of the State Customs Service commended CARICC's achievements, mentioning the importance of the Centre as a platform for sharing intelligence and developing interagency cooperation in the region.
Mr. Saliev expressed readiness to support CARICC initiatives aimed at developing joint programs and building capacity of national law enforcement and customs agencies.
Parties agreed to step up practical cooperation in a number of priority areas, including exchange of analytical resources, professional development of staff, and development of mechanisms for anti-drug cooperation.
In conclusion, CARICC Director invited representatives of the Kyrgyz Republic to join a meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC Member States on 5 December 2025 in Samarkand (Republic of Uzbekistan).
It will address key areas of the Centre's strategic development, adopt a new program of cooperation, and review a draft joint statement by CARICC participating countries.
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Meeting at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic
CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Major General Nurbek Abdiev in Bishkek on 10 November 2025.
It was held in newly renovated building of the Directorate General of Internal Affairs in Bishkek.
Discussions centered on relevant areas of CARICC's activities, including organizational structure improvements and development of new areas of work, such as countering cyber threats and combating synthetic drug distribution.
Particular attention was paid to upgrading information and analytical resources, expanding international cooperation, and ensuring sustainable funds for CARICC functioning.
Mr. Makhmud Khamidov presented proposals on possible mechanisms for budgeting the Centre and underlined the importance of consolidating efforts of member states to strengthen the financial base of the organization.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Nurbek Abdiev highly appreciated CARICC's contribution to coordination of regional counter-narcotics efforts and expressed readiness to support CARICC initiatives aimed at developing joint programs and enhancing effectiveness in combating illicit drug trafficking.
Further parties agreed to intensify practical cooperation in a number of priority areas and to continue discussions on financial support for the Centre, including possible voluntary contributions by participating states.
In conclusion, CARICC Director invited representatives of the Kyrgyz Republic to participate in the meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC Member States, which will be held on 5 December 2025 in Samarkand (Republic of Uzbekistan). During the upcoming meeting, it is planned to discuss key matters of the Centre's strategic development, endorse a program for further cooperation and consider a draft joint statement by CARICC member states.
CARICC delegation was also shown modern capabilities and infrastructure of the renovated administrative building of the capital's police force, including functions of operational and on-duty services equipped with modern technical tools and a new museum dedicated to the work of internal affairs authorities.
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Meeting at the Ministry of National Security of Turkmenistan
CARICC Director Mr. Makhmud Khamidov met with Deputy Minister of National Security Mr. Guvanch Ovezov on 7 November 2025 in Ashgabat at the Ministry of National Security of Turkmenistan.
CARICC Director thanked the Turkmen counterpart for supporting CARICC activities and noted Turkmenistan MNB's capacity to implement international joint operational measures using the controlled delivery method.
To improve effectiveness of anti-drug activities, Mr. Khamidov announced proposals to improve the work of CARICC, including the launch of new areas of activity (in particular, in the field of countering cyber threats and trafficking of synthetic drugs), modernizing information and analytical resources, and implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening financial stability and expanding geography of international cooperation.
The Deputy Minister of National Security of Turkmenistan reaffirmed willingness to provide comprehensive support to CARICC initiatives aimed at refining its activities and strengthening regional cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking.
Summarizing their discussions, parties agreed to intensify joint efforts to improve CARICC's performance and also reiterated their mutual interest in strengthening practical cooperation.
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Meeting at the General Prosecutor's Office of Turkmenistan
CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with Deputy Prosecutor General of Turkmenistan Muhammetmyrat Sapargulyyev on 7 November 2025 during his visit to Ashgabat.
In the course of discussions Mr. Khamidov outlined a number of initiatives intended to further enhance the Centre's effectiveness, including improving its organizational structure and developing new areas of activity to counter cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs. They also focused on upgrading information and analytical resources, strengthening financial stability, and expanding CARICC's international cooperation.
The Deputy Prosecutor General highly praised CARICC activities, acknowledging its significant contribution to coordinating counter narcotics efforts at the regional level, and confirmed the Prosecutor General's Office's readiness to continue supporting the Centre's initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and increasing effectiveness of the fight against drug trafficking.
At the end of the meeting 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 Turkmenistan.
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Meeting at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan
As part of visit to Ashgabat CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with Lieutenant Colonel Ovezgeldy Kakalyev, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan.
Opening the meeting CARICC Director expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan for rendering support to CARICC activities, including in the field of anti-drug measures.
During the talks Mr. Khamidov presented a number of initiatives aimed at further improving 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.
Modernization of information and analytical resources, strengthening financial stability, and expanding international cooperation of CARICC were also covered.
Mr. Ovezgeldy Kakalyev expressed readiness to support CARICC proposals.
Mutual interest in further developing and strengthening cooperation was highlighted during the meeting, and readiness to provide comprehensive support for initiatives aimed at improving and intensifying CARICC activities was confirmed.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to step up practical cooperation in a number of priority areas and confirmed reciprocal commitment to further strengthening collaboration between CARICC and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan.
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CARICC Director meets with leadership of Turkmenistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with Ms. Myakhri Byashimova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, on 6 November 2025 during his visit to Ashgabat.
During the meeting CARICC Director thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan for supporting CARICC in implementing its mandate, including through training activities involving Turkmen specialists.
Mr. Khamidov presented proposals aimed at improving the Centre's activities, launching new areas of work, including countering cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs, and modernizing information and analytical resources. Particular attention was paid to initiatives related to strengthening the Centre's financial sustainability and expanding international partnerships. At the same time, he called on leadership of competent authorities of Turkmenistan to support the Centre's initiative to introduce a mechanism of equal contributions by the parties to CARICC's budget, approval and adoption of the Budget Rules at a planned meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC Member States in Samarkand on 5 December this year.
Ms. Myakhri Bashiova showed support for CARICC's initiatives to enhance regional cooperation mechanisms in combating drug trafficking and assured that proposals to ensure CARICC's financial sustainability would be immediately studied by Turkmenistan.
During the meeting parties discussed other promising areas for expanding cooperation.
Turkmenistan confirmed readiness to support CARICC initiatives to strengthen regional cooperation in countering drug trafficking.
The meeting took place in a constructive and friendly atmosphere with a high level of trust and commitment on both sides to deepening practical cooperation in the field of counter-narcotics.
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