Breaking news (476)
On positive assessment of CARICC activities at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan
On the 10th of March 2017, the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan was held at the UN headquarters in New York, which was attended by the Kazakh delegation, the RoK MFA press service reported.
In his speech, Kairat UMAROV, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations, stressed that the situation in Afghanistan remains unstable due to the instability and high risk of terrorist acts, and also due to the growth of illicit drug production and trafficking, which may have negative consequences for the entire Central Asian region. Mr. K. Umarov highly appreciated the work of the United Nations Mission in assisting Afghanistan, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC) located in Almaty.
The Kazakh delegation stressing the inextricable link between security and development issues, drew the attention of the members of the Security Council to the initiatives of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nursultan NAZARBAYEV, to assist Afghanistan and strengthen the regional and global security architecture.
The diplomats proposed to carefully review the project of establishing a regional UN Center in Almaty on the basis of existing international structures, which could coordinate the rendering of comprehensive assistance to Afghanistan and Central Asian region countries.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
International partnership of CARICC with Japanese anti-drug structures
The Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC), within its mandate, is actively expanding international cooperation with counter-narcotics agencies in tackling illicit drug trafficking in the Central Asian region.
The fact of signing a joint statement “On an expanded strategic partnership in the century of prosperity of Asia” in November 2016 by Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Sinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, indicates to the strengthening of cooperation and interaction.
Thus, Section 26 of the above-mentioned document notes, “The Parties reaffirmed the importance of efforts in the fight against drugs in Central Asia. The Japanese side highly appreciated the activities of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC) located in Almaty”.
The Kazakh side welcomed Japan’s financial assistance to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, as well as the extension of the project, under which Japanese specialists deliver lectures and training sessions for drug enforcement officers from Afghanistan and Central Asia, and expressed an intention to make efforts in combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs through active participation of drug enforcement officers of the above countries”.
As part of strengthening the cooperation among CARICC and Japan, in January 2017, an operational meeting was held with the Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Kazakhstan, Sato Katsunori. The meeting noted the donors’ assistance of Japan in the development of CARICC. It was expressed the wish to see strong ties in the future between CARICC and Japanese anti-drug structures, including those within the framework of the Dialogue “Central Asia plus Japan”.
In February 2017, CARICC’s leadership, in the person of A. Shayakhmetov, Deputy Director, attended the 22nd Asian-Pacific Conference on Operational Fight against Drugs (ADEC-22), organized in Tokyo by the National Police Agency of Japan (NPA).
The Conference discussed the ongoing changes in the illicit trafficking of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATSs) and new psychoactive substances (NPSs) on a global scale. In turn, CARICC noted activities in the field of counteracting the illicit trafficking in ATSs and NPSs in the Center member states; efforts were announced in the area of combating NPSs in the framework of Operation ‘REFLERX’ in 2017. A series of measures as part of this operation is designed to establish an early warning system of new substances and other synthetic drugs harmful for the health and life of citizens of CARICC member states. During negotiations with the competent authorities of Japan at the Conference platform, CARICC initiated a number of proposals for joint work with the Japanese NPA. In particular, it was suggested to review a possibility of the participation of the competent authorities of Japan in CARICC’s work on the establishment of an early warning system for NPSs in the Center member states, and also to exchange analytical information of the trends in the development of the drug situation in Japan and CARICC member states.
Thus, opportunities are being implemented for further development of cooperation and partnership between CARICC and Japan in the field of combating international drug trafficking.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
UNODC and CARICC strengthen information and analytical capacity of law enforcement agencies of Kyrgyzstan
A joint meeting of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Projects (UNODC) XAC/K22 “Countering the trafficking of Afghan opiates via the northern route by enhancing the capacity of key border crossing points and through the establishment of Border Liaison Offices” and RER/F23 “Drug law enforcement systems for criminal intelligence collection, analysis and exchange” was held on March 3, 2017 in Bishkek.
Representatives of CARICC and officers of analytical departments of law enforcement agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic took part in the meeting to discuss issues of organizing events aimed at increasing efficiency of using the analytical software “IBM i2”.
The meeting participants familiarized themselves with the existing mechanisms for collection and analysis of intelligence, discussed and agreed a plan for implementing joint activities to strengthen the information and analytical work of law enforcement agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic involved in protecting the state border. “UNODC will continue to strengthen the capacity of Kyrgyz border guards through creation of a platform for the exchange of intelligence. This will allow law enforcement officials to send each other information in real time to effectively combat customs offenses, drug trafficking and organized crime,” said Yusuf Kurbonov, international coordinator of the UNODC. A representative of CARICC, in presentation on “Information and communication lines of CARICC”, talked on the use of external information channels and databases, as well as a project to launch the information and communication system “TOR” and its benefits.
The meeting participants again noted that the use of specialized analytical software is a prerequisite for improving quality of law enforcement. The meeting held contributed to the strengthening of interaction between analytical and operational units of law enforcement agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic and CARICC.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
Organizing Risk Profiling at Checkpoints via the State Border of the Republic of Kazakhstan
On the 28th of February 2017, the second phase of the training of trainers project on risk profiling at checkpoints via a state border has been completed.This training course is organized with support of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE in Astana) and the Office for International Narcotics and Law (INL) of the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The purpose of the event was to train officers who came from a number of the border control units and instructors of the Academy of the Border Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan in using a system of risk analysis and management for the subsequent introduction in the border control service.
CARICC’s experts shared the practical experience with attendees in data visualization using analytical software products that enable to identify potentially dangerous individuals crossing the state border.
Experts-psychologists of the Association of Psychologists and Psychotherapists of the Republic of Kazakhstan delivered a training to attendees in acquiring skills to distinguish psychological characteristics of potential terrorists, as well as how to identify or methods to identify verbal and nonverbal human behavior.
Following a training seminar, attendees were awarded certificates.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
Concerning CARICC’s participation in the KADAP-6 Regional Conference
Today, in Bishkek, a Regional Conference under Pillar 1 of KADAP-6 Programme “Current State of Play in the Field of Drug Policy in Five Central Asian Countries: Challenges and Possible Solutions”, has started.
This event along with CARICC was attended by representatives of the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP-6), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Central Asia, and other concerned competent authorities.
Participants of the Conference were delivered presentations of CADAP-6 Programme (“National Counter-Narcotics Strategy”, Pillar 1). These presentation included reports on the current state of play in the field of drug policy in five Central Asian Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The participants were familiarized with the tools to develop global drug policy, methods for reducing addiction and improve law enforcement knowledge about HIV, as well as the reform in the penitentiary system in Central Asian countries.
Representatives of CARICC briefed the Conference’s participants on the role of the Centre in coordinating the efforts to reduce the supply and demand for drugs, the basics of organization and implementation of a Regional Operation “REFLEX” to tackle new types of psychoactive substances, and measures to improve the drug situation analysis in CARICC member states.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
CARICC role in combating illicit trafficking of precursors and assistance to Member States in conducting controlled deliveries
The International Conference on Cooperation Against Illicit Drugs and Related Organized Crime was is held on February 27-28, 2017 in Tehran (Iran). CARICC was represented by Lieutenant General A. Shayakhmetov, deputy director. During the event, the representative of CARICC presented briefed participants on the Centre’s role in combating illicit trafficking of precursors and assistance it renders to Member States in conducting controlled deliveries.
Along with this A. Shayakhmetov informed the conference participants about the Centre’s assistance in 2016 to competent authorities of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan in coordinating seven international anti-drug operations. As a result of these operations, the narcotics delivery channels from Afghanistan to Tajikistan, from Tajikistan through Kyrgyzstan to Russia, from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan, Russia and Lithuania, were cut off. 30 organizers and active participants of transnational groups in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Lithuania were detained, more than 192 kg of narcotic drugs were seized.
Also at the sidelines of this conference A. Shayakhmetov held negotiations with competent authorities of Iran on cooperation with CARICC in the field of countering transnational drug crime.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
CARICC attended the 22th Asia-Pacific Conference on Operational Drug Enforcement (ADEC-22)
During the period from 21 to 23 February 2017, Mr. A. Shayakhmetov, Lieutenant General, Deputy Director of CARICC, attended the 22th Asia-Pacific Conference on Operational Drug Enforcement (ADEC-22), organized by the National Police Agency (NPA) in Tokyo.
The purpose of the annual event is to provide a platform for discussion changes in the area of illicit trafficking of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) and new psychoactive substances (NPS) on a global scale.
During this event A. Shayakhmetov delivered a presentation on CARICC activities in the area of combating illicit trafficking of ATS and NPS in the Centre’s member states.
Thus, participants of the meeting were presented information of a Regional Operation “REFLEX” initiated by CARICC in 2016, which aims at establishing a system of early warning about new psychoactive substances and other synthetic drugs that are harmful to human life and health of CARICC member states. It was noted that CARICC implements the preparatory phase of Operation jointly with the UNODC with the support of CARICC’s donors.
During negotiations with the competent authorities of Japan, Deputy Director of CARICC has initiated a number of proposals on reviewing of experience of the Japanese competent authorities by the Center’s staff. In particular, it was proposed to consider the possibility of participation of the Japanese competent authorities in CARICC work related to the establishment of early warning system of NPS in the Centre’s member states, as well as to establish analytical information exchange of trends in drug situation development in Japan and CARICC member states.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
Instructors of the Turkish International Academy against Drugs and Organized Crime (TADOC) held week-long training seminar at CARICC
A workshop with the support of the Tashkent Office of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for analysts of the Centre and teachers of departmental educational institutions of the law enforcement system of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan who have experience in combating drugs was held at CARICC from February 20 to 24.
Teachers of the Turkish International Academy against Drugs and Organized Crime (TADOC) served as instructors of the workshop. As part of the course, participants familiarized themselves with methods of effective training organization used in TADOC. Participants were awarded certificates following the event.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
More...
A Workshop to Improve Teaching Skills has been completed in CARICC
Today, a five-day workshop to improve teaching skills, organized with the support of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Division for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement of the U.S. Embassy (INL) in the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has been completed in CARICC facilities.
Representatives of CARICC and the Border Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan have been trained in training skills to train officers, including in the fight against drugs.
This workshop was delivered by senior teachers of the global training team of the U.S. DEA, James Todd Farnsword, Steven Jean Griswold, and James Albert Calhoun.
During five days attendees had an opportunity not only to acquire the theoretical teaching skills, but also to consolidate their knowledge in practice.
At the closing ceremony of the workshop in CARICC, Mr. Deride Sabo, the OSCE Ambassador, Head of the OSCE Office Programmes in Astana, Brain Connelly, Deputy Regional Director of the Middle East region of the U.S. DEA, and Timothy O’Connor, representative of the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty, made parting words. All workshop’s attendees were awarded certificates.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
A Seminar to Improve Teaching Skills is being Held in CARICC
Today, a five-day seminar on improving teaching skills has started in CARICC facilities with the support of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Division INL) of the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The purpose of this event is to train attendees to overcome complexes in stressful situations, excitement during public speeches, presentations on the activities in the fight against drugs, and to use the skills acquired in the subsequent training of officers of competent authorities.
Senior instructors of the U.S. DEA global training team James Todd Farnsword, Stephen Jean Grizwold, and James Albert Calhoun specially came to conduct seminars for representatives of CARICC and border services of Kazakhstan.
During five days, seminar’ attendees will have the chance not only to acquire the theoretical teaching skills, but also to consolidate their knowledge in practice.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
Meeting with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Delegation
On the 8th of February 2017, a delegation of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), headed by Mr. Brian Konniley, the U.S. DEA Deputy Regional Director for Middle East region, visited CARICC.
During the meeting, CARICC delivered presentations of CARIC’s deliverables in 2016, and the drug smuggling situation through the territory of CARICC member states.
American counterparts were interested in the project related to the introduction of Information and Telecommunication System TOR’, which provides rapid processing of requests received from the competent authorities of CARICC member states.
The parties discussed prospects for further cooperation in intelligence exchange and coordination of international operations, as well as a topic of expanding approaches in combating illicit drug trafficking.
In conclusion, representatives of the U.S. DEA noted that CARICC is an important partner in the fight against drugs in Central Asian region, and expressed their willingness for further fruitful collaboration.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
Representatives of CARICC at the Embassies Reception in Kazakhstan
On the 2nd of 2017, representatives of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors (hereinafter - CARICC) attended a reception at the U.S. Consulate in Almaty.
The event was dedicated to honoring the U.S. delegation of athletes, who arrived in Kazakhstan to participate in the 28th World Winter Universiade - 2017.
George KROL, the U.S. Ambassador in Kazakhstan, made a welcoming speech. He thanked the country’s leadership for the excellent organization of the Games, noting that such sporting events give new impetus to the development of the state and friendly relationship between America and Kazakhstan.
In turn, Nail NUROV, Head of the Directorate for preparation and implementation of the Universiade-2017 extended sincere gratitude for the active participation of athletes from the U.S. and their championship, and wished to achieve the highest awards in the future.
Today, A. Shayakhmetov, Deputy Director of CARICC, at the invitation of the Ambassador of Switzerland in the Republic of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan plans to visit an event dedicated to the participation of Swiss athletes in the World Sports Games in Almaty, as well as to sharing Kazakhstani experience in holding the Universiade-2021 in Switzerland.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
