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Meeting with Deputy Director of the Afghanistan Research Center of Shaanxi University
CARICC Director A. Yazlyyev met Li Xinwei, Deputy Director of the Afghanistan Research Center of Shaanxi University (PRC), on 11 April 2024 in Almaty.
During the meeting parties discussed emerging drug situation in the Central Asian region and the People's Republic of China, exchanged views on prospects for development of the situation in this field.
Li Xinwei noted that the organization she represents serves as an information center assisting in analysis and exchange of information related to drug trafficking. The representative expressed interest in establishing cooperation between the Afghanistan Research Center of Shaanxi University and CARICC on exchange of analytical surveys and other products in the field of countering cross-border organized crime related to drug trafficking.
Parties also highlighted the importance of sharing best practices in law enforcement, conducting joint working meetings, consultations, forums and trainings on combating drug trafficking at both regional and international levels.
Training course on specialized analytical software
In the period from 25 March to 3 April 2024 CARICC staff members conducted training for law enforcement officers of Mongolia on skills and practical application of specialized software "i2 iBase", "i2 Analyst Notebook", and geoinformation application "ArcGIS".
The event was organized at the Academy of the General Intelligence Agency of Mongolia.
Participants reported that the training fully corresponded to functional responsibilities and was highly useful in day-to-day service-military duties of officers.
Training participants noted high level of preparation of the event and instructors, and also interesting and relaxed presentation of training content.
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Meeting with liaison officer of Finland
CARICC Director A. Yazlyyev met with Ossi Granat, Counselor for Police Affairs at the Embassy of Finland in Moscow, on 27 March 2024 in Almaty.
During the meeting CARICC Director informed about activities of the Centre in the field of organization and coordination of counter-narcotics operations, and information-analytical work.
Mr. Ossi Granat, in turn, told that his tasks include ensuring interaction of the Finnish authorities with CARICC in exchange of information in the field of combating drug trafficking. Mr. Granat expressed interest in establishing contacts and expanding cooperation in joint operations to counter drug trafficking.
Parties also exchanged views on development of cooperation between Finnish law enforcement agencies and CARICC, and discussed possible areas of cooperation in matters of common interest.
Finland, along with 17 other countries, has observer status with CARICC. Observer state ensures exchange of information of mutual interest between the Centre and competent authorities of the sending state, advises the Centre and authorized representatives of member states on regulations of their national legislation, and, if necessary, assists in organization and carrying out of coordinated joint international operations, operative - investigative measures, including controlled deliveries.
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CARICC Director meeting with UNODC Executive Director
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.
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CARICC organized a side-event during the 67th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs
CARICC delegation headed by Director A. Yazlyyev held a side-event titled "CARICC - a Universal Platform for Counter-Narcotics Cooperation" at the Vienna International Center on 18 March 2024.
The event was organized during the regular segment of the 67th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs from 18 to 22 March 2024 in Vienna.
The meeting brought together heads and employees of counter-narcotics agencies of CARICC Member States, representatives of the UNODC Headquarters and Tashkent Office, experts from INTERPOL and other international organizations.
Opening the event, Mr. A. Yazlyyev remarked that CARICC carries out analysis of drug situation under its mandate on a regular basis, focusing on prospects and trends of its development in the Central Asian region. Findings show negative trends in the territory of the Centre's Member States, which calls for concrete efforts in the region to normalize drug situation and preserve peace and security. In this context, it is proposed to actively use CARICC capabilities at the international level in combating transnational organized drug crime.
Representatives of CARICC Member States, experts from UNODC, INTERPOL and other international organizations highlighted the importance of continued cooperation of member countries, observers and donors within CARICC framework. They recognized unique CARICC mechanism set up under the auspices of the UN, providing a platform for international cooperation in countering drug trafficking. They also suggested to support the Centre in ensuring its financial sustainability.
CARICC delegation took part in the side-event "Prevention of Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking among Population, especially Young People, and Rehabilitation of Drug Users" hosted by the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on 18 March.
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CARICC exhibition at the 67th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs
CARICC organized an exhibition on its information and analytical products during the 67th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs taking place in Vienna from 13 to 22 March 2024.
As part of its analytical functions, CARICC continuously monitors drug situation in the region. Based on collected data the Centre carries out a strategic analysis of drug situation in order to identify areas of joint actions of competent authorities. For this purpose, the Centre has conducted a number of analytical studies, which were presented to competent authorities.
Moreover, CARICC works on preparation and publication of studies, recommendations and methodological manuals in counter-narcotics. A number of informational and analytical documents have recently been produced, some of which are provided in the form of QR codes, with an option of scanning and downloading to gadgets.
More than 1000 analytical works have been published and shared over the 15-year period of CARICC functioning.
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CARICC participation in the 67th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs
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Participation in Regional Working Group on Forensic Capacity and Illicit Drugs (RWGFD) meeting
Analyst of CARICC Information and Analytical Unit took part in the meeting of the UNODC Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries Regional Working Group on Forensic Capacity and Illicit Drugs (RWGFD) in Almaty on 28-29 February 2024.
The event was also attended by representatives of competent authorities of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Iran, experts from the International Narcotics Control Board and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
During the meeting participants exchanged information on situation in the area of drug and precursor trafficking in West and Central Asia and development of regional responses.
CARICC analyst made suggestions on implementing regular stages of operations to combat spread of synthetic drugs - "REFLEX"; and to counter diversion of precursors - "Substitute".
Participants prepared recommendations based on discussions.
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Training on specialized software usage
CARICC staff member delivered a regular training for officers of analytical departments of the GKNB Border Service of the Kyrgyz Republic from 26 to 28 February 2024 in Bishkek on practical application of specialized software for information analysis.
During the training participants were shown basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills in organizing and carrying out strategic and operational data analysis using software.
In general participants of the training course stated that training material fully met their expectations and was helpful in setting up and conducting data analysis.
Meeting at CITCO
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.
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A seminar on combating drug trafficking, in particular of Lyrica (pregabalin) held in Kuwait City
A seminar on countering trafficking in drugs, in particular Lyrica (pregabalin), was held in Kuwait City, Kuwait, from 5 to 7 February 2024.
The event was organized by the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, the Gulf Gulf Cooperation Council Criminal Information Center to Combat Drugs (GCC CIC) and the General Directorate of Drug Control of the Ministry of Interior of the State of Kuwait.
Delegations from Oman, the State of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Kuwait, Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, as well as experts from GCC CIC, US DEA, INCB and CARICC participated in the workshop.
The event aimed at developing an effective strategy for the Gulf countries to combat drug trafficking and prevent the abuse of narcotic drugs, as well as sharing successful regional and international experiences in preventing substance abuse, including Lyrica (pregabalin).
Participants exchanged information on drug situation in their respective countries and discussed measures to enhance cooperation in addressing distribution of new psychoactive substances.
CARICC representative made a presentation on current development of drug situation in Central Asia, informed about ongoing measures on organization and implementation of joint counternarcotics operations, provided information on analytical products of the Centre, and made suggestions on enhancing collaboration between Central Asian and Gulf countries.
CARICC participation in online meeting of sub-working group on precursor interdiction
CARICC Information and Analytical Unit staff members participated in an online meeting of the sub-working group on precursor interdiction established under the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats on 17 January 2024.
The event was chaired by Mr. Jonathan Earles, INL/GPP foreign affairs officer, coordinator of the sub-working group meetings.
CARICC made a presentation on current drug situation in CARICC Member States. It was pointed out that drug situation in the region is characterized by increased production of opiates and methamphetamine in Afghanistan, emergence of new types of synthetic drugs and distribution methods. Over 40 tons of precursors were seized in CARICC Member States in 9 months of 2023 alone, an increase of 144% or more compared to the same period in 2022. In this context, CARICC initiated Operation "Substitute" to identify and intercept smuggled shipments of acetic anhydride, acetyl chloride and ammonium chloride to Afghanistan. CARICC also expressed its readiness to conduct a subsequent phase of Operation "Substitute" in 2024, and to provide premises to host its international operational coordination unit.