On July 28th, 2021, the UNODC Regional Program for Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries, together with the Central Asian Regional Information Coordination Center, convened an online preparatory meeting on the regional operation " Substitution. Phase 3".

The meeting was attended by law enforcement officers of the precursor units from Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of CARICC, UNODC and INCB.

This operation is the result of the long-term and fruitful cooperation between CARICC and the Regional Program.

During the meeting, the participants considered the draft plan of the regional operation "Substitution. Phase 3", presented by specialist of the International Operations Promotion and Coordination Unit, including Controlled Deliveries of CARICC as well as expressed their support for the plan and pre-approved the terms of the operation and its timing.

It was decided that the operation would focus on identifying and seizure of contraband shipments of acetic anhydride, ammonium chloride, acetic acid, as well as uncontrolled chemicals that are either directly used in the illegal manufacture of heroin, or serve as a cover for contraband shipments of acetic anhydride.

The meeting was organized under the auspices of the UNODC Regional Programme for Afghanistan and neighboring countries, with financial support from Finland. The INCB provided expert support to the meeting.