CARICC Director A. Yazlyyev met with leadership of the Intelligence Center for Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime (CITCO) in Madrid on 26 February 2024.

Marife Mateos, Head of the Organized Crime Unit of CITCO, welcoming the CARICC delegation congratulated successful joint controlled delivery operation from Kazakhstan to Spain. This was the first such effort between Spain and the CIS countries involving law enforcement agencies of both countries and coordinated by CITCO and CARICC.

Then CARICC expert made a presentation on trends of drug situation in Central Asia. He pointed out growth of drug seizures in the region, which may lead to further deterioration of the situation not only in Central Asia, but also beyond its borders. Attention was drawn to the importance of CARICC cooperation with other regional organizations.

The Spanish side expressed interest in expanding bilateral cooperation, including obtaining observer status at CARICC to further develop mutually beneficial collaboration in combating transnational drug crime.