CARICC member states discuss further cooperation to combat drug trafficking

Nur-Sultan, November 25-27, 2020 - The delegation of Kazakhstan participated in a meeting of experts and the Council of National Coordinators of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC) held via videoconference.

Kazakhstan, which chairs the Council, stressed that since its establishment in 2006, CARICC has become an effective regional structure for combating drug trafficking. In this regard, Kazakhstan confirmed its firm commitment to further strengthening cooperation within the Center, calling on partners to constructively address common challenges and further expand the Center's external relations.

During the event, representatives of the member states discussed the current activities of the Center, including improving the regulatory framework, expanding cooperation with other stakeholders, and administrative and economic activities.

Following the talks, the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC adopted a number of decisions, including measures to strengthen its financial stability, expand partnerships, and grant the Islamic Republic of Iran observer status at the Center.

Currently, CARICC membership consists of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.