Counter-drug interaction in Central Asia presented to donor countries

Counter-drug interaction in Central Asia presented to donor countries

Nur-Sultan, April 20, 2021 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Akan Rakhmetullin took part in the Donor video-conference of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC).

Emphasizing that the drug threat in the modern world has no borders, Mr. Rakhmetullin urged the participating countries and international organizations to intensify donor assistance and support for the Center's activities. The outcomes of CARICC's work are important for improving the drug situation not only in Central Asia but way beyond its borders as well.

Rustam Aziz Miralizoda, the Director of CARICC, and Naveed Riaz, the Head of the UNODC Programme Office in Nur-Sultan, briefed the conference participants about the current work of the Center aimed at strengthening information, analytical and operational cooperation of the competent authorities of the parties, as well as the implementation of the UNODC Strategy 2021–2025.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan, Arystangani Zapparov, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia Ashita Mittal, US Ambassador to Kazakhstan William Moser and representatives of other diplomatic missions also spoke in support of further reinforcing the potential of CARICC, including expanding its membership and strengthening the legal framework. The event was attended by representatives of more than 25 countries and international organizations accredited in Kazakhstan.

 

CARICC is an international organization headquartered in Almaty, established with the support of UNODC in 2009. The participating states are Kazakhstan, the countries of Central Asia, Azerbaijan and Russia. Over 15 states and international organizations have an observer status at CARICC. The main objective of the Center is to coordinate the efforts of the competent authorities of the participating states in countering transnational drug-related crimes.