Meeting with UNODC leadership in Vienna

As part of the CARICC delegation’s participation in the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs CARICC Director M. Khamidov met with Bo Mathiasen, Director of Division for Operations at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in Vienna on 12 March 2026.

During the meeting parties discussed current status and future prospects of the CARICC activities and important areas for further cooperation with UNODC.

Particular attention was paid to strengthening regional cooperation within CARICC framework in countering transnational drug crime, developing mechanisms for rapid exchange of information among law enforcement agencies of participating states, and implementing joint projects under CARICC mandate.

Discussion also focused on contemporary challenges related to the spread of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances, in addition to further development of early warning systems, improvement of analytical tools, and expanded use of digital technologies in combating illicit drug trafficking.

Parties underlined the importance of further strengthening partnership between CARICC and UNODC, including through implementation of joint projects aimed at enhancing effectiveness of international and regional cooperation in addressing drug crime.

Summing up the meeting, parties reaffirmed mutual interest in continuing close cooperation and developing practical mechanisms to support CARICC activities as an important regional platform for coordinating efforts of the Centre’s member states in combating illicit drug trafficking.