International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Commemorated by Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran
with participation of UNODC Iran
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Tehran, 26 June 2022 – The commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was held by the Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ) on 26 June 2022 with close cooperation of UNODC Iran. Several high-level participants including President Raisi of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ministries of Interior, Sports and Youth, Education, as well as officials and experts from national institutions, famous national sports figures and athletes, media and press, NGOs and CSOs, Ambassadors and members of the international community, and representatives from the United Nations agencies joined the event.
Secretary General of the Drug Control Headquarters, Mr. Momeni in his statement highlighted the Iran endeavors on drug control and seizures under the directives of the President Raisi of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Mr. Momeni further underlined the important role of the charities and NGOS for capacity building and job creation for drug abusers. DCHQ Secretary General asked international community to devise plan to seriously tackle the continued production of opioids in Afghanistan, through plans to replace drug economy with licit economy through sustainable livelihoods schemes.
UNDOC Iran Country Representative, Mr. Alexander Fedulov, read statements of the United Nations Secretary General, and UNODC Executive Director on the 26th of June 2022. Mr. Fedulov presented a concise and detailed statement on UNODC Iran cooperation with the Government of Iran and the DCHQ on the field of border management and illicit trafficking, drug prevention, treatment and HIV care, and Alternative Development and Sustainable Livelihoods. He highlighted the importance which UNODC gives to strong partnership with Iran, while presenting several examples of successful interventions and cooperation with national counterparts under UNODC Country Partnership Programme 2015-2022.
The Minister of Interior, Mr. Ahmad Vahidi, referred to existing requirements of Iran on drug control matters and expectation of Iranian government from international community and the United Nations to provide ample assistance and higher cooperation with Iran based on principles of common and shared responsibility. He underlined that despite several years foreign states presence in Afghanistan, the Afghan economy has continued to be fully dependent on drug economy and revenues. Minister Vahidi stated that the Iranian Law Enforcement has and will continue the efforts in countering drug trafficking and arrest of major drug kingpins. He also expressed gratitude to Iranian knowledge-based companies, one of which has produced drug treatment medication for drug abusers.
Dr. Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated that there are more works to be done by all states in tackling the existing drug challenges. President Raisi said that countries and law enforcement agencies around the world shall work together through intelligence sharing against organized drug networks and do not let criminal groups to lead the war on drugs.
He asked the United Nations to consider the challenges of drugs as a high priority in its work in Iran, upgrading capacities and providing adequate financial support without due consideration to sanctions on Iran.
The amount of international assistance on drug control has not been proportionate to the expenditures posed on the Government of Iran in the last decades. President Raisi asked the United Nations to communicate his message to the United Nations Secretary General. The members of international community were also requested to communicate the same to their governments. He underlined once more that all domestic ministries and institutions shall increase their pro-active efforts and upgrade their operational capacities in the fight against drug trafficking and challenges.
For further information, please contact
Amirhossein Vaziri (Mr.), Programme Associate,
UNODC Country Office in Iran
Tel.: (+98-21) 8887 8377-81,
Fax: (+98-21) 88796700,
Email: amirhossein.vaziri@un.org