An expert meeting was held in Tashkent on 5-6 December 2023 to discuss trends in distribution of opiates and methamphetamine from Afghanistan via the Northern and Caucasus routes.

Representatives from Central Asia, the Caucasus and Pakistan, together with experts from UNODC, the OSCE, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of Justice, discussed trends in distribution of opiates and methamphetamine originating in Afghanistan through the Northern and Caucasus routes.

CARICC representative gave a review presentation on current development of drug situation in Central Asia, informed about ongoing efforts in organizing and carrying out joint counter-narcotics operations, provided information on analytical products of the Centre, as well as outlined proposals for intensification of proposals in this direction.

Delegations from Central Asian and Caucasus countries informed about drug situation in their countries and measures taken to stabilize it.

In conclusion, participants identified priorities for further joint action in analyzing and anticipating developments in order to strengthen cooperation in countering trafficking in opiates and methamphetamine originating in Afghanistan in countries along the Northern and Caucasus routes.