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Experts working group meetings of the CARICC member states on improving the regulatory legal framework of CARICC
In the format of videoconference, on September 14-15, 2020, a meeting of the Working Group of Experts of the Participating States on Improving the CARICC Regulatory Framework to consider the draft Agreement between the participating States on the exchange and protection of classified information was held.
The meeting of the Working Group was attended by experts from the competent authorities of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, representatives of CARICC, as well as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime as observers.
Taking into account that the meeting was held in the format of videoconference, the representative of CARICC was appointed as its moderator.
Based on the results of the discussion, the participants in the meeting reached an agreement on sending the draft Agreement to the CARICC member states for approval, with the subsequent submission to the next meeting of experts of the Council of National Coordinators of the CARICC member states.
Director of CARICC Miralizoda Rustam Aziz and Head of the UNODC Program Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Naweed Riaz in their speeches noted the importance of reaching consensus on the draft Agreement considered, as well as the importance of adopting this document for the full functioning and development of the CARICC potential.
CARICC staff participate in Inter-regional Expert Meeting
An online expert meeting was hosted within the Inter-Regional Network of Customs Authorities and Port Control Units (Inter-regional Network) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the World Customs Organization Global Container Control Programme on 10-11 September 2020.
The meeting brought together representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, CARICC, the World Customs Organization, diplomatic missions of donor countries and other international organizations, and customs authorities and customs control services of member countries of the Inter-regional Network (the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Georgia, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and the Republic of Uzbekistan), and the Republic of Azerbaijan, which expressed its interest in joining the Network.
Foundation of the Inter-regional Network, established upon signature of the Memorandum of Understanding on Network foundation by heads of customs administrations on May 22, 2019 in Tashkent, contributed to establishment and strengthening of practical interaction between customs services of the mentioned countries. A simplified mechanism of information exchange between national focal points of customs services and port control units is implemented within the Inter-regional Network.
Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, Mr. Ketil Ottersen (Vienna), Senior Coordinator of UNODC Global Container Control Programme, and Mr. Peter Timmermans (Brussels), WCO Technical Expert, addressed the meeting with welcome remarks.
The event was moderated by Mr. Batyr Geldiyev, Regional Programme Coordinator, and Mr. Peter Timmermans, and key speakers included international coordinators of UNODC programmes in Central Asia and representatives of customs authorities and customs control services of the countries participating in the Inter-regional Network.
Ms. Tatiana Evdokimova, CARICC representative, presented a report on the Center's work under international and regional cooperation in combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors. Participants were introduced to results of a study on the use of container transportation for cross-border drug trafficking in 2018-2020 that was performed by CARICC Information and Analytical Unit personnel. Moreover, the CARICC representative emphasized the importance of analytical efforts aimed at addressing challenges of operational and strategic response to drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.
Participants underscored the need to strengthen mechanisms for cooperation and rapid information exchange, to establish and expand links, to address in a timely manner problematic aspects of practical interaction between national customs contacts and port control units of the countries participating in the Inter-regional Network, and to share information in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on the results of the UNODC meeting, recommendations will be developed for the countries participating in the Interregional Network.
Tackling organized drug crime in the context of COVID-19 pandemic
Coronavirus pandemic in 2020 is likely to be main factor affecting changes in transnational crime and drug trafficking in the world in general and the Central Asian region in particular.
Closure of borders, restriction of movement between cities and other quarantine measures within states have, to a certain extent, complicated transport of narcotic drugs as well as distribution of drugs within countries, in populated areas and between them.
Analysis of drug seizures in the region over the past period in 2020 shows that illicit market traditionally has a higher share of cannabis group drugs.
Meanwhile, the problem of synthetic drugs is becoming more and more acute. Between January and May this year, about 1 ton and 50 kg of psychotropic and new psychoactive substances, some of which are amphetamine-type stimulants, were seized in CARICC Member States.
In the same period, over 370 kg of opium group drugs and 1 ton and 890 kg of cannabis group drugs were seized.
Thus, as a result of monitoring and analysis of available information, the Centre identified main changes observed in drug trafficking and examined some of anticipated elements of drug crime organization caused by restrictive measures related to coronavirus imposed by countries both worldwide and in the Central Asian region.
Closing national borders to movement of people and restricting movement of goods across borders has to some extent weakened the ability of transnational organized crime groups to smuggle drugs and their precursors, as well as to transfer cash generated by transnational drug trade. However, this assumption requires further study, as there is a trend of increasing seizures of drugs in the Central Asian region as a whole (including those originating in Afghanistan) during the period of the pandemic, which may be a result of increased anti-drug measures, including state control of movement of goods at borders, rather than of intensification of transnational drug groups.
However, according to some experts, this encourages organized drug crime to make greater use of the efforts of states to provide food and medicine, which often disguise drugs, to the population. Drug trafficking groups could also make greater use of high-tech equipment in the form of drones and other semi-autonomous vehicles, and vice versa, “natural” means of transporting drug shipments across national borders using animals and postal birds.
Restrictions on movement within countries/regions due to quarantine and emergency situations (including curfew regimes) have also reduced the ability of drug dealers to supply and drug users to obtain narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. It has also become more difficult to distribute drugs contactlessly through caches, etc. However, attention should be drawn here to the opinions of a number of experts that the sale of drugs by contactless means may have been shifted to sales using or under the guise of courier delivery services. This method may continue to be used for criminal purposes in the future, and drug dealers will start using technological tools more actively.
Limitations on movement of people and goods in the world may shift the structure of international drug trafficking from reducing transnational trade and smuggling of plant-based drugs to organizing production of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances in places of their direct sale, which allows drug dealers to minimize their risks and costs associated with logistics of drug supplies. This assumption is confirmed by increasing share of NPS and synthetic drugs in composition of drug market.
Self-isolation has led to increased use of electronic services, including criminal ones. This has increased the motivation of drug dealers to switch from using cash payments to using “Darknet” and electronic payment systems. In addition, coercive measures to isolate population and insufficient state measures to provide material support to the most socially vulnerable groups left without a livelihood may facilitate their transition to underground economy sectors. Economic hardship makes societies more receptive to criminal offers such as recruitment for criminal actions such as plant cultivation or courier services for drugs and money. Transnational drug crime is likely to try to use this opportunity to recruit new relatively inexpensive members for “rough work”. This may also be exacerbated by the trend of labour migrants who have been left without jobs and livelihoods returning to the states of the region.
On the positive side, drug traffickers incurred significant economic losses during the pandemic, which, it is to be hoped, undermined the financial capacity of organized drug groups. This factor is likely to help deter the inevitable adaptation of drug crime to the new environment, and drug control authorities will gain time to devise an adequate response.
Mr. B.Abdijaliev, Acting Advisor/Head of International Operations Coordination Unit, CARICC.
Mr. Y.Chikalov, Acting Advisor/Head of Information and Analytical Unit, CARICC.
Mrs. A.Tiurina, Senior Analyst of Information and Analytical Unit, CARICC.
Meeting of the CARICC Director with the Head of the UNODC Program Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan
On July 22, 2020 a working meeting of the Director of CARICC Major-General Miralizod Rustam Aziz with the Head of the Programme Office of UNODC in the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Naweed Riaz was held.
During the meeting Mr. Miralizoda R.A. informed Mr. Naweed Riaz about the results of his business trip to the capital of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The parties gave a positive assessment of the webinars organized and held in early July, which were attended by staff of the Centre, representatives of the competent authorities of CARICC member states and international organizations, including UNODC and OSCE. The issue of holding a competition to fill the vacant posts of CARICC was also considered.
At the end of the meeting, plans were outlined for the near future to promote the organization at the regional and international levels and the issue of the CARICC development in the conditions of the spread of coronavirus infection COVID-19 was discussed.
Discussion of cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan
During his working visit to Tajikistan, the Director of CARICC, Mr. Rustam Aziz Miralizoda, met with his Excellency Zohir SAIDZODA, Deputy Minister of foreign Affairs of Tajikistan.
The meeting discussed accession of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Republic of Turkey to the CARICC Agreement, the Centre's work to review and agree upon draft Agreement between CARICC Member States on exchange and protection of secret information, as well as other important cooperation topics in combating illicit drug trafficking and prospects for its development.
A few days earlier, CARICC Director met with leadership of the DCA under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, and other law enforcement agencies and specialized institutions of the country.
CARICC Director on working meetings in Dushanbe
On July 10 and 11, 2020 in Dushanbe Major-General R.A.Miralizoda, CARICC Director, had working meetings with Lieutenant-General Sh.O.Salimzoda, Director of the Drug Control Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and Colonel-General R.Kh.Rahimzoda, Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The meetings discussed CARICC cooperation with competent authorities of Tajikistan, as well as the use of CARICC capacity in promoting regional anti-narcotics collaboration during the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus infection.
During their meetings participants also discussed topics related to Tajikistan's chairmanship at the Centre, accession of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Republic of Turkey to the Agreement on Establishment of the CARICC, the Centre's efforts in reviewing and agreeing upon draft Agreement between CARICC Member States on exchange and protection of secret information, as well as conducting an online competition among employees of competent authorities that passed the first qualifying round for recruitment to vacant CARICC posts, and other matters of mutual interest.
During his visit to Tajikistan, CARICC Director R.A.Miralizoda will meet with heads of other law enforcement agencies and specialized authorities of the Republic of Tajikistan.
UNODC and CARICC webinars
On 7 and 8 July 2020, the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors and the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia organized two webinars bringing together representatives of competent authorities of CARICC Member States and international organizations, including UNODC and OSCE.
Mrs. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, and Mr. Rustam Miralizoda, Director of the Centre, addressed the audience with welcoming remarks.
International coordinators of UNODC programmes in Central Asia and CARICC experts were main speakers.
The webinar on 7 July 2020 was dedicated to main findings of the World Drug Report, published by UNODC on 26 June 2020. Mr. Naweed Riaz, Head of UNODC Programme Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan, informed about key points of the report.
Ms. Alevtina Tiurina, Senior Analyst of CARICC Information and Analytical Unit (IAP), made a presentation on some trends in combating drug trafficking in the space of CARICC Member States.
Mr. Yusuf Kurbonov, Head of the Subprogramme “Countering Transnational Organized Crime, Illicit Drug Trafficking and Terrorism”, in his presentation briefed participants on the work carried out and contribution of the programme on strengthening borders of Central Asian countries, as well as results of the Interagency mobile teams project implementation in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The webinar held on 8 July also featured several presentations.
Mr. Yury Chikalov, Acting Head of CARICC IAP, delivered a presentation on results of efforts of competent authorities of CARICC Member States in the 1st quarter of 2020. Ms. Tatiana Evdokimova, Analyst of CARICC IAP, announced a study on container transportation for cross-border drug trafficking in 2018-2020 performed by CARICC employees.
Mr. Batyr Geldiev, Head of UNODC Container Programme in Central Asia, also offered a presentation on the work in progress during the webinar.
In addition, Mr. Naweed Riaz, Head of UNODC Programme Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan, gave a presentation on strategic response to drug trafficking and transnational criminal activity, organized through targeted intelligence and international operations to deter, disrupt and prosecute organized criminal networks.
Participants stressed the importance of organizing events in this format and the opportunity to share information in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
26 June - International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was established by the UN General Assembly at its 42nd session in 1987 and is observed annually on 26 June as a sign of determination to strengthen efforts and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free from drug abuse.
Today, drug addiction has hit every country in the world. According to the most approximate estimates of experts, from 3 to 4 percent of the world's population use drugs. And the situation with drug distribution in the world continues to deteriorate. Schemes of their production and sale, transport and financial networks of drug trafficking are improving, and the speed and scale are constantly growing. Structure of narcotic drugs consumption is also changing. New synthetic drugs are emerging and their formulas are constantly being updated. National legislations often simply do not have time to respond to these changes.
Unfortunately, drug addiction is now a very lucrative business that allows one to get rich from misfortunes of others. Places where drug trade is concentrated are rightfully considered to be countries of the Near and Middle East and Asia. The world's largest supplier of heroin is Afghanistan. Latin America also has a significant share in distribution of narcotic drugs.
The problem of drug addiction is a global threat to health of world population. After all, it is not just a tragedy of an individual or a family. It is also one of the causes of demographic crisis, sick children born, decline in general health of nations, as well as increasing crime rates around the world.
Initially, international drug control was limited to states as subjects of international law. Subsequently, modern drug control regime was established during international conferences or within international multilateral organizations. Countries and international organizations jointly develop an international legal regime to control drug trafficking, combating smuggling of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, prevention and treatment of drug addicts.
Also, the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC/Centre), as a specialized international organization, carries out its functions to the extent that the Centre has been endowed by its Member States in its statutes.
More than 10 years have passed since inception of CARICC as an interstate body to coordinate efforts of competent authorities of participating states in combating transnational drug crime. Much has been accomplished in this period within its mandate, but more needs to be done.
CARICC's format for international work is very broad. The Centre is permanent organizer, coordinator and participant of such operations as “Reflex”, “Substitution”, “Channel” and “Web”. Coordination centers are based at CARICC.
Use of its own and international information resources enables the Centre to be an effective tool for network cooperation in the international fight against drugs. In order to collect, process and analyze information in drug trafficking, CARICC has developed its Centralized Data Bank, which currently has accumulated more than 100,000 objects.
The Centre carries out strategic and operational analysis of drug situation in the region, conducts a number of studies and prepares and disseminates regular analytical products. Total number of published bulletins, surveys and newsletters has already exceeded 1,000 issues. The number of recipients of those bulletins is also increasing.
Also, CARICC operates a search system for persons wanted for drug offences, which is supplemented by information from competent authorities of the Centre's partners and is always up to date.
The Centre's website has also recently been updated. Closed part of the website has appeared, where CARICC information products of limited access are placed.
Various events are held at the Center's premises, bilateral and multilateral meetings are organized to exchange information and coordinate joint operational and investigative actions between CARICC Member States and Centre partners.
Moreover, working meetings of liaison officers of CARICC Member States, Observer States and partners of the Centre, which have become annual, contribute to intensification of interaction.
These events discuss a wide range of topics related to exchange of information and strengthening international cooperation in combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors and related crime.
The last such meeting took place in late 2019. It was attended by representatives of competent authorities and experts from nearly 30 countries and international organizations. In addition to CARICC Member States, such countries as Afghanistan, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Iran, Mongolia, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States were represented along with reputable international organizations such as UNODC, INTERPOL, OSCE, CSTO, SCO RATS, BKBOP, GCC-CIC, as well as the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan. All participants highlighted benefits and even need for such events.
International community seeks to resolve emerging problems and conflicts by improving legal regulation, updating legislative framework and enhancing powers and size of international organizations, which leads to expansion of cooperation between subjects of international relations and, consequently, to active collaboration between them on building an order that would meet interests of all mankind in realization of the idea of liberation of the world from illicit drug trade.
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking promotes healthy lifestyles and reminds humanity of the terrible scourge of drug addiction. On this day, numerous actions are carried out around the world to prevent drug addiction, especially among young people and conferences and meetings are organized to discuss ways to combat drug trafficking.
Everyone, anywhere in the world, should be concerned about this matter. Only through joint efforts can we count on positive results in solving the global problem of our time - drug addiction.
We urge ALL to say no to drugs, tobacco and alcohol, to say no to people who offer drugs and alcohol, to avoid situations involving the use of psychoactive substances and to choose life, sport, healthy lifestyle!
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UNODC World Drug Report 2020: Global drug use rising
Around 269 million people used drugs worldwide in 2018, which is 30 per cent more than in 2009, while over 35 million people suffer from drug use disorders, according to the latest World Drug Report, released today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Report also analyses the impact of COVID-19 on the drug markets, and while its effects are not yet fully known, border and other restrictions linked to the pandemic have already caused shortages of drugs on the street, leading to increased prices and reduced purity.
“Vulnerable and marginalized groups, youth, women and the poor pay the price for the world drug problem. The COVID-19 crisis and economic downturn threaten to compound drug dangers further still, when our health and social systems have been brought to the brink and our societies are struggling to cope,” said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. “We need all governments to show greater solidarity and provide support, to developing countries most of all, to tackle illicit drug trafficking and offer evidence-based services for drug use disorders and related diseases, so we can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, promote justice and leave no one behind.”
The market for opiates in Central Asia appears to have been transformed between 2008 and 2018, and the market in stimulants appears to be booming. Heroin trafficking through Central Asia destined for the Russian Federation appears to be decreasing over the past decade, although recent large seizures suggest that the region may be emerging as a transit route to Western and Central Europe. Once accounting for 10 per cent of global seizures, the so-called northern route from Afghanistan made up just 1 per cent in 2018. The prevalence of people who inject drugs (PWID) aged 15–64 in 2018 continues to be the highest in Eastern Europe (1.26 per cent) and Central Asia and Transcaucasia (0.63 per cent). Those percentages are, respectively, 5.5 and 2.8 times higher than the global average.
“It is our joint shared responsibility to ensure that Central Asia remains safe from illicit drugs and organized crime. The only way forward is to foster greater international, cross-border and inter-agency cooperation for achieving our shared vision to strengthen progress security, health and sustainable development, to guarantee safe and secure lives, prosperity of people, and especially, the young generation,” said UNODC Regional Representative to Central Asia, Ms. Ashita Mittal. “In the COVID-19 recovery, we need all countries to act on their commitments, and show shared responsibility to tackle illicit drug supply and reduce demand.”
Though, the current COVID-19 crisis has caused sharp decrease in drug seizures in Central Asia, due to the pandemic, traffickers are exploring new routes and methods, and trafficking activities via the darknet and shipments by mail. The pandemic has also lead to opiates shortages, which in turn may result in people seeking out more readily available substances such as alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs, extracted opium (poppy seed), or mixing with synthetic drugs. More harmful patterns of use may emerge as some users switch to injecting, or more frequent injecting.
Looking at further effects of the current pandemic, the Report says that if governments react the same way as they did to the economic crisis in 2008, when they reduced drug-related budgets, then interventions such as prevention of drug use and related risk behaviours, drug treatment services, the provision of naloxone for management and reversal of opioid overdose could be hard hit. Interception operations and international cooperation may also become less of a priority, making it easier for traffickers to operate.
Trends in drug use
While cannabis was the most used substance worldwide in 2018, with an estimated 192 million people using it worldwide. Opioids, however, remain the most harmful, as over the past decade, the total number of deaths due to opioid use disorders went up 71 percent, with a 92 per cent increase among women compared with 63 per cent among men.
Drug use increased far more rapidly among developing countries over the 2000-2018 period than in developed countries. Adolescents and young adults account for the largest share of those using drugs, while young people are also the most vulnerable to the effects of drugs because they use the most and their brains are still developing.
Availability of pharmaceutical opioids for medical consumption varies across the globe
The Report also points out that low-income countries still suffer a critical shortage of pharmaceutical opioids for pain management and palliative care. More than 90 per cent of all pharmaceutical opioids available for medical consumption were in high-income countries in 2018 comprising around 12 per cent of the global population. While the low and middle-income countries comprising 88 per cent of the global population are estimated to consume less than 10 percent of pharmaceutical opioids. Access to pharmaceutical opioids depend on several factors including legislation, culture, health systems and prescribing practices.
Socio-economically disadvantaged face greater risk from drug use disorders
Poverty, limited education and social marginalization remain major factors increasing the risk of drug use disorders and vulnerable and marginalized groups may also face barriers to getting treatment services due to discrimination and stigma.
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The World Drug Report and further content is available here: wdr.unodc.org
The 2020 World Drug Report provides a global overview of the supply and demand of opiates, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine-type stimulants and new psychoactive substances (NPS), as well as their impact on health, taking into account the possible effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights, through improved research and more precise data, that the adverse health consequences of drug use are more widespread than previously thought.
CARICC delegation participated in 63rd session of United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs
CARICC delegation headed by Director Major-General of Police R. Miralizoda took part in the 63rd session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs held in Vienna (Austria) from 2 to 6 March this year.
Ms. Ghada Wali, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, made an opening statement to the 63rd session of the CND, and Mr. Cornelis de Joncheere, President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), delivered a video message from Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
A total of about 1,500 participants representing more than 130 countries, 17 international organizations and civil and scientific community members attended the 63rd session of the CND.
In addition to plenary, more than 100 international counter-narcotics events were organized and held on the sidelines of the session, some of which were joined by CARICC delegation.
In particular, five different side events organized by the Governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Japan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Japan in cooperation with the UNODC, the SCO and the European Union that covered efforts of the respective countries and organizations in combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors.
A series of bilateral meetings of CARICC Director Mr. R. Miralizoda and heads of delegations from participating countries and high-ranking officials of international organizations were arranged on the sidelines of the forum.
The Centre's positive impact in combating illicit drug trafficking at the international and regional levels was cited. CARICC Director, in turn, reiterated his willingness to continue taking an active part in strengthening regional and international cooperation and providing a platform for conferences, trainings and other events in the areas under discussion.
In total, the 63rd session of the CND adopted five resolutions on such topics as partnerships with private sector; improving data collection and analysis to strengthen responses to world drug problem; involvement of youth in drug abuse prevention efforts; access to and availability of internationally controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes; and promoting alternative approaches to illicit crop cultivation.
The Commission also scheduled 13 new substances.
CARICC representative participated in event dedicated to 28th anniversary of accession of the Republic of Kazakhstan to UN
A round table was organized on March 2, 2020 in the UN Office in Almaty with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan involving representatives of UN agencies, diplomatic corps, non-governmental and international organizations, scientific circles and mass media, which was also attended by a representative of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors.
The occasion was dedicated to the 28th anniversary of Kazakhstan's accession to the United Nations and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations.
Mr. Yerlan Iskakov, head of Almaty Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, opened the round table. He highlighted that Kazakhstan emphasizes position of regional partnership in sustainable development.
Mr. Vlastimil Samek, representative of the UN Department of Public Information in the Republic of Kazakhstan, in his speech stressed that Kazakhstan has become an active participant in the organization over the years of close cooperation and is taking relevant initiatives to strengthen cooperation and conflict resolution in the region.
H.E. Ambassador Madina Dzharbusynova, permanent representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations (1999-2003), also addressed the event, adding that, having become a member of the United Nations, Kazakhstan obtained right and a real opportunity to participate fully in development of solutions to pressing world problems and for 28 years makes a real contribution to multilateral effort of the primary international organization.
Mr. Abror Fatkhullaev, consul general of Uzbekistan in Almaty; Mr. Ali Riza Akinci, consul general of Turkey in Almaty; Mr. Alexis Chahtahtinsky, consul general of France in Almaty; Mr. Evgeny Bobrov, consul general of Russia in Almaty; Mr. Geng Liping, consul general of China in Almaty; Ms. Kuralai Baizakova, professor at KazNU after Al-Farabi; Ms. Ainur Saabitova, director of the Sorbonne-Kazakhtsan Institute of KazNPU after Abai and others offered their welcoming speeches and congratulations.
Expert community commended close cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UN, which contributes to peace and security consolidation.
Participation of CARICC Director in the symposium "Anti-Drug Policy: Preventing Drug Addiction and Combating Drug Trafficking Paths. Strategy for Cooperation in Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking".
On 20-21 February 2020, a high-level international conference was held in Rome, organized by the Central Directorate for Coordination of Anti-Drug Services of the Ministry of the Italian Republic Internal Affairs, with the participation of CARICC Director Mr. R. Miralizoda.
At the conference, heads of counternarcotics agencies from 56 states, OSCE executive structures, OSCE partners for cooperation, international organizations and civil society discussed issues of international cooperation in combating transnational drug crime, drug trafficking, as well as problems of drug abuse prevention faced by the international community.
The CARICC delegation presented a report on "Threats. Routes. Cooperation".
Director of the Center Major-General of Police Miralizoda Rustam Aziz in his speech informed the participants of the symposium about joint operations with the competent authorities of CARICC member states in the field of combating drug trafficking, analytical work and information exchange, as well as projects implemented with international partners.
At the end of the meeting the sides noted the need for integration of international structures, establishment of inter-grid partnership and interaction, which will create a prerequisite for more effective cooperation in combating transnational drug threat.
Also, on the margins of the conference, the Director of CARICC R. Miralizoda held a number of bilateral meetings, in particular with:
- heads of delegations from competent authorities of CARICC member states:
- Head of the GUBN of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Colonel of Police Gumbatov I.M;
- Deputy Head of the Main Drug Control Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, Major General of Police S.N. Savochkin.
- First Deputy Director of the Drug Control Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Major General Samad Z.T.;
- Director of the National Information and Analytical Centre on Drug Control under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, O. Narzullaev.
- heads of delegations from competent authorities of CARICC observer states, other countries and international organizations:
- Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Major General Hashim U.;
- Chief of the Anti-Narcotics Police of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Brigadier General Zahedian M.;
- Head of the Criminal Intelligence Unit of the Ministry of Interior of Spain. Colonel Antonio Cortez R.;
- Head of the Central Office for Drug Control of the Ministry of Interior of the Italian Republic, General Gucciar J.;
- Head of the Federal Directorate for Organized Crime and Cross-Border Cooperation, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Arkand M;
- INTERPOL representative Ms. Misho L.G.;
- Head of the Strategic Police Matters Unit at OSCE Headquarters, Guy Vinet.
During the meetings, topical issues of interaction in various areas of joint activities, both organizational and practical, were discussed.
