On November 2, 2021, a delegation of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Group of the UN Security Council Committees 1267 and 1988 (hereinafter referred to as the Group), represented by experts Mr. V. Stojunda and Mr. T. Ashetov, visited the Central Asian Regional Information Coordination Center for combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors (hereinafter referred to as the CARICC/Centre) in Almaty.

As a result of the visit, working meeting of the CARICC representatives consisting of Mr. A.Yazlyev, Mr. A.Erkaboev and Mrs. T.Yevdokimova with the Group experts was held, during which the parties discussed the situation in Afghanistan. There was an exchange of views on the impact of the "new reality" on the production and supply of drugs of Afghan origin in foreign markets, including the "Northern route".

The threats emanating from Afghanistan to the Central Asian region, the prospects for the involvement of Central Asian terrorist groups in the drug trade, as well as changes in the structure and logistics of drug trafficking and the redistribution of the drug market under the influence of the trend of distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances of synthetic origin were considered. During the working meeting, the changes in drug prices in Afghanistan and their impact on the profits of the groups involved were assessed. 

In addition, the meeting participants outlined the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing against the background of the economic and financial crisis in Afghanistan, including the use of virtual assets (cryptocurrencies) and virtual asset service providers, as well as international payment systems and the non-traditional transfer system “Hawala”. 

The Group Experts, on their part, shared their assessments and forecasts of the situation in Afghanistan and the sanctions regimes of 1267 (ISIS, Al-Qaeda) and 1988 (war and peace issues in Afghanistan).

As a result of the working meeting, there were developed approaches and outlined plans for further cooperation between CARICC and the Group, taking into account the development of the situation in Afghanistan and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.