CARICC delegation headed by Director A. Yazlyyev took part in a regional meeting to discuss innovative methods of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in countering transnational criminal groups involved in drug trafficking in Karakol (Kyrgyzstan) on 28-29 August 2023.

Delegations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and UNODC experts also ttended the event.

The meeting was conducted under the UNODC project "Enhancement of the capacity of Mobile Operational Teams (MOTs) for the Counter Narcotics Service (CNS) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic", implemented with the financial support of the Russian Federation.

The meeting focused on countering drug trafficking through the use of UAVs or drones, which are becoming an important tool in modern law enforcement, especially in combating illicit drug trafficking. Law enforcement agencies were using those technologies for surveillance, detection and tracking, which gave them a significant edge in the fight against transnational criminal groups involved in drug trafficking.

A training course on application of analytical software in investigation of drug crimes was held at the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Kossрy/Kazakhstan) from 14 to 18 August 2023.

This event was organized jointly with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Office for Central Asia with a grant from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). CARICC analysts conducted the trainings.

Training course gathered law enforcement officers from Central Asian countries, representatives of UNODC and the U.S. Embassy in Astana.

Representatives of CARICC, UNODC and U.S. INL held a meeting with leadership of the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, during which they addressed questions of organizing and conducting similar joint training sessions and simulation exercises.

Mr. A. Yazlyyev, CARICC Director, met with Mr. Mohammed Abdulla Al-Khater, Director of Studies and International Affairs Department, Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar, in Almaty on 14 August 2023.

CARICC Director Mr. A. Yazlyyev briefed on current efforts of the Centre in coordination of counternarcotics operations and information-analytical work.

In turn, Mr. Mohammed Abdulla Al-Khater, Director of Studies and International Affairs Department, informed about joint measures carried out in countering drug trafficking, and also described in detail main directions of actions of the Ministry of Interior of Qatar in the field of combating drugs.

Mr. Sh. Komilzoda, staff member of the Information and Analytical Unit of CARICC, delivered a presentation on results achieved by the Centre in organization and implementation of joint counternarcotics measures, and outlined the Centre's information and analytical branch.   

The Qatar delegation highly valued CARICC's efforts in coordinating and conducting joint counternarcotics operations.

Parties underlined the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation against the backdrop of rapidly evolving drug situation and increasing seizures of drugs in their respective regions.

On 7-11 August 2023 CARICC hosted a Regional training course for law enforcement officers on detection and interdiction of organized crime under the Cross Border Cooperation component of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia. 

The event brought together border control and customs officials, law enforcement officers from the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, experts from the UNODC Programme Offices in Central Asia, the Turkish International Academy Against Drugs and Organized Crime (TADOC), the Central Drug Control Directorate of the Italian Ministry of Interior and CARICC.

In line with the meeting program, CARICC staff members delivered presentations on current situation in the region and Afghanistan and its impact on drug situation in Central Asia.

Modern methods of detection of drug crimes and countering transnational organized crime were studied.

Participants recognized the importance of expanding international cooperation, sharing experience and further developing relations in the area of border security and countering transnational drug crime.