CARICC Director A. Yazlyyev met with Ossi Granat, Counselor for Police Affairs at the Embassy of Finland in Moscow, on 27 March 2024 in Almaty.

During the meeting CARICC Director informed about activities of the Centre in the field of organization and coordination of counter-narcotics operations, and information-analytical work.

Mr. Ossi Granat, in turn, told that his tasks include ensuring interaction of the Finnish authorities with CARICC in exchange of information in the field of combating drug trafficking. Mr. Granat expressed interest in establishing contacts and expanding cooperation in joint operations to counter drug trafficking.

Parties also exchanged views on development of cooperation between Finnish law enforcement agencies and CARICC, and discussed possible areas of cooperation in matters of common interest.

Finland, along with 17 other countries, has observer status with CARICC. Observer state ensures exchange of information of mutual interest between the Centre and competent authorities of the sending state, advises the Centre and authorized representatives of member states on regulations of their national legislation, and, if necessary, assists in organization and carrying out of coordinated joint international operations, operative - investigative measures, including controlled deliveries.

CARICC delegation led by Mr. A. Yazlyyev met with Ms. G. Whaly, UNODC Executive Director, during the regular segment of the 67th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs taking place in Vienna from 18 to 22 March 2024.

Turkmenistan delegation, headed by the country's Ambassador in Vienna, and representatives of UNODC and its Regional Office for Central Asia also participated in the meeting.

UNODC Executive Director noted alarming growth of drug trafficking in the world and Central Asia, which demands united efforts of countries and organizations in combating drugs. She underlined importance of CARICC's role as a platform for counter-narcotics cooperation.

CARICC Director A. Yazlyyev commented that despite stated reduction of poppy cultivation areas in Afghanistan, drug smuggling is on the rise in the region, which is confirmed by official statistics. Based on results of 2023, the amount of drugs seized in the Centre's member countries increased by more than 73% compared to 2022.

To bring this problem to the attention of the world community CARICC organized two side-events during the 67th Session of the CND, focused on enhancing collaboration between countries and organizations in countering international drug trafficking, and support of CARICC efforts by member states, observers and donors.

Participants of the meeting also exchanged views on counter-narcotics topics and discussed other areas of CARICC operations.

CARICC delegation headed by Director A. Yazlyyev held a side-event titled "CARICC - a Universal Platform for Counter-Narcotics Cooperation" at the Vienna International Center on 18 March 2024.

The event was organized during the regular segment of the 67th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs from 18 to 22 March 2024 in Vienna.

The meeting brought together heads and employees of counter-narcotics agencies of CARICC Member States, representatives of the UNODC Headquarters and Tashkent Office, experts from INTERPOL and other international organizations.

Opening the event, Mr. A. Yazlyyev remarked that CARICC carries out analysis of drug situation under its mandate on a regular basis, focusing on prospects and trends of its development in the Central Asian region. Findings show negative trends in the territory of the Centre's Member States, which calls for concrete efforts in the region to normalize drug situation and preserve peace and security. In this context, it is proposed to actively use CARICC capabilities at the international level in combating transnational organized drug crime.

Representatives of CARICC Member States, experts from UNODC, INTERPOL and other international organizations highlighted the importance of continued cooperation of member countries, observers and donors within CARICC framework. They recognized unique CARICC mechanism set up under the auspices of the UN, providing a platform for international cooperation in countering drug trafficking. They also suggested to support the Centre in ensuring its financial sustainability.

CARICC delegation took part in the side-event "Prevention of Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking among Population, especially Young People, and Rehabilitation of Drug Users" hosted by the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on 18 March.