From 27 February to 3 March, UNODC conducted a national training course for law enforcement officers from Turkmenistan in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The course focused on the application of IBM i2 software, the utilization of border liaison offices’ (BLO) databases, and the identification of new psychoactive substances (NPS).
The training aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of law enforcement personnel stationed at the Farap, Imamnazar, and Serhetabat border crossing points. Participants focused on effectively using IBM i2 software to identify organized crime groups involved in the production and distribution of synthetic drugs.
The training programme consisted of two main sessions:
1. Session on IBM i2 software and BLO database: Delivered by Arstanbek Duishoev and Barzu Avazzoda, experts from the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC), this session combined theoretical instruction with practical application. Participants learned to employ IBM’s specialized software, including i2 iBase and i2 Analyst’s Notebook in various law enforcement scenarios.
2. Session on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances: Led by invited experts Marina Pisani, Massimo Barbaglia, and Marco Molinari from the Central Directorate of Anti-Drug Services of Italy, this session equipped law enforcement officers with essential skills for identifying NPS and their precursors at border crossing points. It served as a knowledge exchange platform, fostering interaction between trainees and international experts.
The Italian experts were invited to conduct this training following agreements made during a CARICC management team visit to Italy in January 2023.
Participants provided very positive feedback at the conclusion of the training, expressing gratitude to UNODC for organizing such an informative and valuable programme. They praised the organization of the event, the competence of the instructors, and the engaging and comprehensive presentation of educational materials, highlighting how the training would enhance their daily operations.
The training was conducted within the framework of the UNODC Regional Project on Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation in Central Asia of Sub-programme 1 Preventing and Countering Transnational Organized Crime of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia 2022 - 2025.
The implementation of the project in Turkmenistan is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
For further information, please contact:
Nurangez Abdulhamidova
Communication and External Relations Officer
UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia
Email: nurangez.abdulhamidova[at]un.org
