Central Asia stands at a crossroads, facing the devastating impact of drug trafficking. For years, the region has served as a corridor for drug trafficking, with routes connecting Afghanistan to Europe and beyond. Data confirms that Afghanistan remains the primary source of drugs for the opium group in Central Asia, resulting in a continuous flow of opiates along major trafficking routes to consumer markets.
Urgent action is needed to address this growing threat. With a surge in new psychoactive substances and persistent drug trafficking along the “northern route”, collaboration and data-driven strategies are more critical than ever.
In September 2024, the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC), in partnership with the UNODC Information Centre for Researching and Analyzing Transnational Threats, hosted a two-day training workshop. The focus was on the collection, analysis, and exchange of data regarding illicit drug trafficking along the “northern route.”
Thirty participants, including heads and officers from analytical units of national authorities fighting drug trafficking, attended the training workshop.
The training raised awareness among law enforcement officers about global drug trafficking trends, early warning mechanisms, and reducing risks from new psychoactive substances (NPS). It also covered the collection of information from various sources and the preparation of recommendations for CARICC Member States to enhance interventions against NPS and other drugs, focusing on legislation, organizational, preventive, and methodological strategies.
The workshop improved participants’ understanding of data quality and availability, which is crucial for enhancing the analysis capabilities of Central Asian law enforcement. This enables them to monitor drug trafficking trends and implement effective responses.
Representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan shared insights from their respective countries. Presentations highlighted the regional drug situation and discussed emerging challenges, particularly the rise of NPS.
Participants engaged in hands-on sessions, exploring data processing software, data mapping, and open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques for enhanced analysis and presentation. They also discussed current challenges and opportunities for strengthening multilateral cooperation against drug trafficking.
As a result of the training workshop, a framework for qualitative analysis was developed to address statistical shortcomings, anticipate future threats, and promote a unified approach to monitoring and assessing the drug situation across Central Asia.
The training workshop underscored the importance of collaborative action and laid the groundwork for ongoing cooperation, fostering real-time data sharing and a common platform for addressing drug-related challenges. Participants acknowledged that the fight against drug trafficking is a shared responsibility that transcends borders.
By enhancing data collection and cooperation, CARICC Member States will be better equipped to forecast drug trafficking trends and implement effective responses.
Through the collaboration of national and international stakeholders, CARICC and its partners aim to create a safer and more resilient Central Asia.
The training was conducted with financial support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
For further information, please contact:
Nurangez Abdulhamidova
Communications and External Relations Specialist
UNODC Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan
Email: nurangez.abdulhamidova[at]un.org
