A meeting of the Joint Working Group of the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors was held in Almaty on 11 December 2024.

During the meeting parties discussed current drug situation in the Central Asian region and Afghanistan, exchanged views on potential threats and risks of destabilization in the region, discussed information on involvement of terrorist organizations in smuggling of narcotic drugs along the “Northern route”.

Detailed information exchange on ongoing developments in combating the financing of terrorism from drug proceeds and prospects for further cooperation in this area took place during the talks.

Parties agreed to convene next meeting of the Joint Working Group in 2025 at the SCO RATS EC premises in Tashkent.