A simulation training dedicated to detection of drug crime on the Internet and investigation of drug money laundering for law enforcement officers and special agencies was conducted in the period from 10 to 14 June 2024 in CARICC.

The training program consisted of a series of practical exercises and simulations aimed at teaching officers the latest techniques to combat online drug trafficking and related money laundering.

The training focused on key aspects of combating drug trafficking and money laundering, including application of advanced technologies and strategic approaches. Training participants were able to further their knowledge and skills in this field through international cooperation with partners such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section (INL) of the U.S. Embassy, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana and Kazdream IT Holding.

The event brought together 26 representatives from various agencies, including prosecutors, national security, internal affairs and financial monitoring bodies from the city of Astana, Eastern Kazakhstan, Abay and Zhetysu regions, and officers from central office of the General Prosecutor's Office.

Simulation training became an important step in enhancing professional skills of law enforcement officers and raised awareness of modern challenges and threats in the field of countering drug crime.

On June 5-7, 2024 in the city of Bukhara, Republic of Uzbekistan, the third Steering Committee meeting of the Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP) - Phase 7 was held.

The meeting was attended by representatives of state beneficiary institutions of Central Asian countries, representatives of the European Union delegations in Central Asian countries, representatives of several European institutions and EU programs.

The objectives of the meeting were to inform about the expected results and planned activities of CADAP-7, as well as to strengthen mutual understanding of the program objectives, implementation strategies and results. The heads of delegations discussed topical issues related to the activities to prevent the spread of drugs in the region, highlighted the key achievements in this direction.

Mr. Barzu Avazzoda, CARICC Analyst, participated in the online event as an invited expert and made a presentation “CARICC is a universal platform for international anti-drug cooperation”.

To take timely and adequate measures to respond to the emerging drug situation, the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan approved the “National Strategy to Combat Drug Addiction and Drug Crime in the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2024-2028” (N-73 dated 06.05.2024).

This Strategy is aimed at improving the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the field of drug control and the national system of monitoring the drug situation, ensuring national and public security, and protecting the health of citizens.

The Strategy builds on the positive international experience of advanced countries in the field of timely response to trans-border crime threats related to drug trafficking.

By presidential decree, the National Information and Analytical Centre for Drug Control was transformed into the National Centre for Drug Control under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (National Centre). It is important to note that the focus of the transformed National Centre is the systematic in-depth scientific, practical and informational-analytical study, identification and forecasting of the main factors and trends in the drug-related situation in the country by region.

In this context, CARICC welcomes the transformation of the central coordinating competent authority of Uzbekistan within the framework of the implementation of the Agreement “On the Establishment of CARICC”, which will contribute to improving the level of cooperation of the competent authorities of Uzbekistan with CARICC.

An agreement between the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan on the establishment of a Central Asian regional information and coordination center to combat illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors was signed on 24 July 2006 in Astana.

Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Security Service, the Customs Committee under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the General Prosecutor's Office, and the National Centre for Drug Control under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has identified by the Uzbek side as the competent authorities of the Republic of Uzbekistan under the Agreement on the Establishment of CARICC.