A meeting of Expert Working Group on New Psychoactive Substances in Central Asia and Pakistan

A meeting of the Expert Working Group on New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in Central Asia and Pakistan began on 17 June 2026 in Almaty.

The event brings together a delegation from CARICC led by Director Makhmud Khamidov, representatives of competent authorities from Central Asian countries and Pakistan, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and partner international organizations.

Welcome remarks were delivered by Mr. Sabit Nurlybay, Chairman of the Committee on Legal Statistics and Special Records of the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Mr. Eldar Abdikenov, Acting Chair of the Committee for Combating Drug Crime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Ms. Youliana Sadowski, Head of the INL Office at the U.S. Embassy in Astana; Mr. Makhmud Khamidov, CARICC Director; and Mr. Fumio Ito, Head of the Global Programme at INCB.

During the meeting experts will discuss current trends related to the spread of new psychoactive substances, share experiences in combating illicit trafficking, and explore ways to refine national legislation, early warning mechanisms and international cooperation in this area.

CARICC representatives will present an overview of drug situation in Central Asia, brief participants on measures taken to combat illicit trafficking of drugs and new psychoactive substances, and progress of the regional initiative to develop an Early Warning System for early detection and information sharing regarding the emergence of new psychoactive substances.

The event promotes regional cooperation and development of joint approaches to countering threats related to new psychoactive substances to provide security and protect health of the region’s populations.