At present, the drug threat is not confined to the borders of any one state or region, but has a transboundary, global character. The direct consequences of drug trafficking include cross-border crime, the degradation of public institutions and the destabilization of the economic systems of the countries affected by this phenomenon. Drug proceeds contribute to the growth of corruption and are often used to finance and support various extremist groups, purchase weapons and prepare for terrorist attacks. In addition, drug trafficking is inextricably linked with illegal activities in the areas of human trafficking and money laundering.
In the Kyrgyz Republic, only in November - December 2020, the total amount of seized drugs reached 10 tons. The approximate estimated cost of which was 380 thousand US dollars.
According to Mr. Bakyt Matmusaev, Head of the Counter Narcotic Services under the Ministry of Interior of the Kyrgyz Republic, “as a result of the comprehensive support provided by the UNODC Programme Office in the Kyrgyz Republic, the service has successfully carried out a number of special operations aimed at suppressing distribution channels, as well as the seizure of large consignments of narcotic drugs from illicit trafficking ”.
“These seizures became possible thanks to the implementation of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Program Office in the Kyrgyz Republic project XACZ60: Sub-programme - 1“ Counteracting transnational organized crime and drug trafficking and prevention of terrorism”, and in particular support provided to develop the capacity of employees of Counter Narcotic Service. The provided training seminars within the framework of the sub-programme used the capabilities of the Analytical Center, which has become a key element in conducting investigations and special”, stressed Mr. Bakyt Matmusaev.
Mr. Andrey Seleznev, Head of the UNODC Programme Office in the Kyrgyz Republic noted that only coordinated actions will lead to a decrease in illegal drug trafficking, suppression of corruption, organized crime and terrorism.
As a result of special investigative actions and search measures, most of the flow of heroin found and seized in the Kyrgyz Republic falls on Osh oblast and Kara-Suu rayon - 8 kg. 268 gr. Hashish in the weight of 16 kg. 509 gr. was seized in Jalal-Abad, Naryn, Issyk-Kul and Chui regions. 142 kg. 160 g of Marijuana was seized in the Issyk-Kul and Ak-Suu regions. 1,320 kg. of sulfuric acid used for the production of heroin was seized in Bishkek and Kara-Suu regions, and 9 tons of cannabis- in Chui oblast.
In 2020, with the assistance of the UNODC Programme Office in the Kyrgyz Republic, the Analytical Center of the Counter Narcotic Service of the Ministry of Interior of the Kyrgyz Republic was established to provide organizational, analytical, informational and methodological support to operational units, including in planning general activities in the field of combating drug trafficking, and also in planning and coordinating activities during special operations. During the implementation of the project, all employees of the analytical department of the the Counter Narcotic Service of the Ministry of Interior of the Kyrgyz Republic were trained on the use of analytical tools and techniques in the fight against drugs. During the inaguration of the center, in October 2020, the Minister of Interior of the Kyrgyz Republic emphasized that "the Analytical Center has become an institution for advanced training for other departments of the Ministry and law enforcement agencies".
UNODC is the key among UN agencies that fully supports the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, ensure access to justice for all and create effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
This work is conducted as part of the UNODC Programme office in Kyrgyz Republic XACZ60 project under Sub-programme-1 "Countering Transnational Organized Crime and Illegal Drug Trafficking and Prevention of Terrorism" of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia 2015-2021, with the financial support from US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
Article in Russian language.
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For more information, please contact Vasilina Brazhko (Ms.)
Communication and Public Relations Specialist
UNODC in Central Asia
by +996775987817 WhatsApp or
email mail: vasilina.brazhko [at] un.org
