CARICC delegation led by Mr. A. Yazlyyev met with Ms. G. Whaly, UNODC Executive Director, during the regular segment of the 67th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs taking place in Vienna from 18 to 22 March 2024.

Turkmenistan delegation, headed by the country's Ambassador in Vienna, and representatives of UNODC and its Regional Office for Central Asia also participated in the meeting.

UNODC Executive Director noted alarming growth of drug trafficking in the world and Central Asia, which demands united efforts of countries and organizations in combating drugs. She underlined importance of CARICC's role as a platform for counter-narcotics cooperation.

CARICC Director A. Yazlyyev commented that despite stated reduction of poppy cultivation areas in Afghanistan, drug smuggling is on the rise in the region, which is confirmed by official statistics. Based on results of 2023, the amount of drugs seized in the Centre's member countries increased by more than 73% compared to 2022.

To bring this problem to the attention of the world community CARICC organized two side-events during the 67th Session of the CND, focused on enhancing collaboration between countries and organizations in countering international drug trafficking, and support of CARICC efforts by member states, observers and donors.

Participants of the meeting also exchanged views on counter-narcotics topics and discussed other areas of CARICC operations.