CARICC delegation took part in debriefing on the CSTO operation “Kanal – Yantarniy bereg”

CARICC delegation led by Director Makhmud Khamidov attended a meeting concluding the subregional anti-drug operation “Kanal –Yantarniy bereg” organized by the Collective Security Treaty Organization in Kaliningrad (Russian Federation) on 3 July 2026.

The meeting was chaired by Lieutenant General Ivan Gorbunov, Head of Directorate General for Drug Control of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. It was attended by heads and representatives of competent authorities of CSTO Member States, CSTO Secretariat, Coordinating Council of Heads of Competent Authorities for Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking of CSTO Member States as well as CARICC Director Makhmud Khamidov.

According to preliminary results of the operation, coordinated actions by law enforcement agencies of participating countries and observer states led to the seizure of more than 3.5 metric tons of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors. More specifically, authorities confiscated 1,938 kg of opium, 519 kg of marijuana, more than 182 kg of heroin, 74.4 kg of mephedrone and over one ton of precursors; destroyed more than 115,000 drug-containing plants; and seized approximately 14,000 tablets of controlled substances.

In his statement CARICC Director Makhmud Khamidov informed participants about ongoing efforts to modernize the Centre’s work and adapt its structural units to contemporary challenges and threats in the field of countering illicit drug trafficking.

Special attention was paid to strengthening international cooperation. CARICC Director suggested considering forming a sustainable partnership mechanism, “CSTO – CARICC – CIS Anti-Terrorism Center – EAG – SCO,” which would facilitate regular exchange of analytical information, coordination of joint operations, development of coordinated approaches and execution of joint initiatives to promote regional security.

His remarks underscored that modern threats are becoming increasingly transnational, technology-driven and interconnected, calling for consolidated action by states and international organizations.

CARICC confirmed readiness to further expand collaboration with international and regional partners and intends to continue serving as an international coordination platform fostering joint efforts by states to tackle illicit drug trafficking and related transnational threats.