On 22 March 2009, the framework agreement on the establishment of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) entered into force, thus opening a new page in the history of the Centre.
The entry in force follows the ratification of the CARICC Agreement by the parliaments of five of the CARICC countries (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan). The fourth ratification instrument was placed with the depository - the MFA of Kazakhstan - on 20 February 2009. This allows CARICC to begin the transition from pilot phase to full fledged functionality.
CARICC is to serve as permanently operating regional information and coordination interstate agency that shall assist in organizing, undertaking and coordinating agreed joint international operations to combat illicit drug trafficking. The Centre shall also ensure the collection, storage, protection, analysis, and exchange of information on trans-border crime associated with illicit drug trafficking.
CARICC's activities are carried out by the staff of the Centre supported by the liaison officers of the member states as well as liaison officers of observers (non-member states and international organisation) seconded to it.
The first meeting of the CARICC Council (management board) was held in Almaty on 26 February 2009. The Council approved CARICC's strategic plan for the next two years and endorsed candidates for the post of CARICC Director and deputy director who are to be approved by the heads of the CARICC member states.
CARICC continues to develop partnerships with non-member states and organisations. France and Interpol were recently granted observer status at CARICC. Requests of Italy, Finland, and the USA are expected to be considered soon.
CARICC Agreement is open for other states to join either as observer or as a full member. Thus, CARICC aims at close cooperation with other countries of the wider region such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and China. The Centre will be closely cooperating with international organisations such as Interpol, Europol, World Customs Organisation and others.
Secure communication platforms "I-24/7" of Interpol and "CENCOMM2" of WCO were made available to CARICC during the pilot phase of operations of the Centre.
CARICC's achievements to date include serving as the regional focal point for operation "TARCET" on precursors and controlled delivery exercises. CARICC's efforts to foster cooperation and information sharing among the countries resulted, for instance, in seizure of 41 kg heroin in Azerbaijan and 28 kg of heroin in Turkmenistan in two different operations coordinated with Turkish authorities. Altogether, the operations initiated by the liaison officers and coordinated through CARICC have resulted in the dismantling of more than 10 drug trafficking groups, the arrest of several traffickers and the seizure of approximately 200 kg of heroin.
