Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors in conjunction with the UNODC Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries held a video-conference de-briefing on results of the regional operation “REFLEX-2019” on 18 November 2020, which was joined by representatives of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The regional operation “REFLEX-2019” was carried out on the territory of the above mentioned participating states during the period from 21 October to 21 November 2019 and was aimed, like the previous two (“REFLEX-2017”, “REFLEX-2018”), at combating proliferation of new psychoactive substances, psychotropic substances and other synthetic drugs.

CARICC performed overall coordination of the operation at the regional level, while national drug control bodies of participating states were in charge at the national level. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime provided organizational and financial support for events related to the operation.

National coordinating and competent authorities of participating states as a result of “REFLEX-2019” seized 6 tons 682 kg 758 g and 53242 tablets of new psychoactive substances and other synthetic drugs and psychotropic substances as well as 19 tons 947 kg of precursors, which is at least 4% more than the previous operation in weight (excluding tablets and precursors) and 19% more than seizures during “REFLEX-2017”.

In addition to investigating and prosecuting persons suspected of drug crimes involving the seizure of illicit substances, participating states conducted a wide range of legislative, organizational, informational, analytical and methodological actions at the national level, which will undoubtedly serve to increase capacity of drug control entities, states involved in the operation to combat distribution of new psychoactive substances and other synthetic drugs.

Major-General Rustam Aziz Miralizoda, CARICC Director, opened the online de-briefing. He expressed gratitude to all participants of the regional operation and partners from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and noted the importance of consolidated joint efforts of participating states to combat new psychoactive substances and other synthetic drugs both in the region and worldwide. He also indicated the Centre’s willingness to provide full support to initiatives in this direction.

During the event CARICC presented a regional report on results of RO “REFLEX-2019” in Russian and English with analysis, conclusions and recommendations for use by competent authorities of participating states to further improve efficiency of work in countering NPS.

Participants of de-briefing presented relevant information on drug situation in countries in their country reports, and, pointing out the importance and effectiveness of joint work to reduce drug threat in the region, came to a consensus on the need to continue regional operation “REFLEX” in future.

Following results of de-briefing, participants made a number of recommendations to improve further joint work in this direction and stated their readiness to plan and implement further measures in the nearest future.