A delegation from the Hong Kong Police Force (PRC), led by Senior Superintendent at Police Headquarters Mr. Man-Chap Lui, accompanied by Deputy Head of the M.Esbulatov Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty Police Colonel Dilbarkhanova Zhanat Rakhimzhanovna visited CARICC on 25 Septmeber 2025.

The goal was to learn about the Centre's activities, mechanisms for interaction between the competent authorities of CARICC participating countries, partners, international and regional organizations, as well as to exchange experience in the field of organizing work to combat drug crime and the latest trends in challenges and threats in this area.

In particular, CARICC Director Makhmud Tolibovich Khamidov welcomed the distinguished guests in his opening speech and briefly informed about CARICC's main capabilities in terms of practical assistance and coordination in conducting joint international counter-narcotics operations, as well as organizing analytical work.

Then, CARICC staff members made a detailed and informative presentation to the Chinese delegation about the Centre's activities, showing videos illustrating the work being done.

Following the presentation, representatives of the Hong Kong Police Force asked CARICC staff a number of questions, to which they received comprehensive answers. Participants also engaged in a lively and constructive exchange of views on the Parties' experience in combating drug trafficking, the latest trends in drug crime, including emergence of new types of drugs.

Moreover, after substantial information about CARICC's activities was presented, the Chinese delegation expressed practical interest in exploring the possibility of opening a similar center in Hong Kong.

In turn, CARICC staff were suggested to intensify joint work with the Chinese side under the Centre by first appointing a liaison officer at CARICC, then exploring the participation in the Centre's work as a fully-fledged member state, followed by opening a CARICC branch in Hong Kong.     

At the conclusion of the event, warm words and wishes were expressed by Deputy Head of the Almaty Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Police Colonel , who thanked CARICC team for hosting and organizing an informative introductory visit, and also highlighted practical significance of the Centre's work in combating drug trafficking.

After that, the Head of the Hong Kong Police Delegation Mr. also expressed gratitude for cordial and welcoming reception, well-organized and constructive event.

Finally, the Head of the PRC delegation invited the CARICC Director to visit Hong Kong to further develop direct working contacts and organize joint measures to counter drug crime.

The study visit included handing over relevant CARICC information and analytical materials to Hong Kong Police Force representatives for use in their work, as well as a mutual exchange of commemorative souvenirs.

CARICC Director Makhmud Tolibovich Khamidov held a working meeting with Eric Kischer, Acting Attaché of the US Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Office in Almaty, on the occasion of completion of his mission in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the meeting parties discussed a number of relevant subjects concerning further prospects for developing cooperation in information exchange and coordination of international counter-narcotics operations, expanding capabilities in combating transnational organized drug crime, and new challenges and threats in the field of illicit drug trafficking.

In particular, the Director outlined CARICC plans for the nearest future aimed at developing and improving the Centre's practical activities, including proposals for further developing cooperation with the USA in the field of combating drugs. It was pointed out that, despite the completion of its mission by the US DEA Office in Almaty, it is very important and necessary to maintain and develop working contacts established between the sides over many years in order to further organize cooperation in countering drug crime.

In turn, Mr. Eric Kischer presented his recommendations on developing cooperation with the Centre, including by stepping up exchange of relevant analytical information, and provided information on the latest trends and possible threats in the field of illicit drug trafficking. He noted that CARICC is a key and important partner in combating drugs in the region.

In conclusion, CARICC Director thanked Mr. Eric Kischer on behalf of the Centre's team for fruitful and substantial joint work during his mission at the US DEA office in Almaty, which resulted in implementation of a number of measures in the field of coordination of international operations, improvement of CARICC information and analytical activities, and organization of training courses and seminars to improve skills of specialists in combating drug trafficking. He also wished every success in his future career and family well-being.

CARICC Director Makhmud Tolibovich Khamidov met with Matthias Kiesler, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Almaty, at CARICC premises in Almaty on 23 September 2025.

During the meeting parties discussed a range of relevant topics concerning further development of cooperation between the Centre and competent authorities of Germany in the field of joint practical work to combat illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, and analytical studies. 

In particular, the CARICC Director informed the representative of Germany about present state of affairs at the Centre, including CARICC's capacity to provide practical assistance and coordination in conducting joint international counternarcotics operations, and to organize analytical work through exchange, processing and analysis of operationally relevant information and developing briefing papers on evolving situation in the region and new trends in drug threats.

In addition, the CARICC Director outlined further plans for the Centre's development and enhancement, including proposals to intensify Germany's activities as an observer country and to explore the possibility of organizing meetings with representatives of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), and other competent German authorities with a view to establishing direct working contacts and organizing joint activities in countering drug crime.

Consul General Matthias Kiesler expressed willingness to extend practical assistance in working out required measures for implementation of the above-mentioned activities aimed at further development of cooperation between competent authorities of Germany and CARICC.

The working meeting proceeded in a positive, constructive, and substantive dialogue, and the parties reached an agreement on mutual aspiration to further advance collaboration between CARICC and Germany.

A hybrid meeting of the Working Group of Member States of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Their Precursors (CARICC/Centre) on Legal Framework was held on 18 September 2025

Participants discussed matters related to current funding for CARICC in order to give new impetus to its activities. A constructive exchange of views focused on draft CARICC budget rules.

The meeting concluded with a decision to work out corresponding points at expert level, followed by submission of coordinated proposals for consideration to the Council of National Coordinators.