Director of the Centre, Mr. Makhmud Tolibovich Khamidov, held a working meeting with a delegation of the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Almaty led by Consul General Ms. Sona Ahmadi at CARICC premises in Almaty on 3 October 2025.

During the meeting CARICC Director presented information on the Centre's mandate, objectives and main areas of activity, and outlined current initiatives and development plans aimed at enhancing effectiveness of practical work in the field of countering drug trafficking.

Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation between CARICC and competent authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Suggestions were made to intensify cooperation, including exchange of operational and analytical information, joint events, and participation in educational and research projects.

Then, CARICC staff members delivered a detailed presentation on the Centre's activities to the distinguished delegation.

Ms. Sona Ahmadi, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, remarked that drug problem is among the key threats to global security. Illicit drug trafficking contributes to instability and is a source of funding for terrorist and extremist groups, particularly in Western and Central Asia.

She also underlined Iran's commitment to a balanced approach to combating the drug threat, addressing not only law enforcement measures but also treatment, rehabilitation, and drug abuse prevention.

In addition, Ms. Sona Ahmadi expressed willingness to further develop partnership with CARICC, including through sharing practical experience, information, and scientific research in this field.

Following the talks parties agreed to step up joint efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and reiterated their mutual interest in strengthening working contacts and coordinating efforts to combat transnational drug crime.

The working meeting was held in a positive, constructive, and substantive dialogue, and it was agreed that both sides would aspire to further develop cooperation between CARICC and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Subregional seminar on “Risk Analysis and Search Techniques in Drug-Related Offences” was held in Tashkent from 23 to 25 September. This event was organized by the Regional Office for Capacity Building for the WCO Europe Region (ROCB Europe) in cooperation with CARICC and with the support of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The workshop aims to build capacity of law enforcement officers in Central Asian countries to use modern risk analysis techniques and conduct effective searches to combat drug trafficking.

The seminar brought together customs officials from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.

During the event participants discussed ways to improve their skills in identifying and assessing risks associated with drug smuggling and studied advanced methods and tactics for conducting searches in various settings (transport, hiding places). Best practices and experiences were also shared among participating countries to strengthen regional cooperation in countering drug crime.

This included a detailed presentation by CARICC staff member on new security challenges and threats related to drug trafficking via the Darknet, social media, and encrypted channels. Attendees also learned about cutting-edge software for collecting, processing, and analyzing operational data, and examples of how these tools help improve investigations, interagency coordination, and the overall effectiveness of efforts to combat drug crime.

The seminar displayed its high relevance and practical significance, and enhanced capacity of customs officials in combating drug crime in Central Asia.

CARICC representative took part in the international scientific and practical conference “Current challenges and prospects for development of environmental legislation in the context of digital transformation” on 26 September 2025 in Almaty.

The event was organized by the Department of Customs, Finance, and Environmental Law of the Faculty of Law at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

The conference was attended by international experts, representatives of state authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan, scientific and teaching faculty, human rights activists, and students.

CARICC representatives delivered substantive information on the Centre's key areas of activity and prospects for development, including CARICC analytical products.

During the event participants engaged in a constructive exchange of views and experiences on the use of digital technologies to improve legislation and ensure its further sustainable development.

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.