UNODC Regional Programme For Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries continues its support for tackling illicit drug trafficking in West and Central Asia region
Cross-border law enforcement cooperation is key in tackling illicit drug trafficking. The Regional Working Group on Forensic Capacity and Drugs (RWGFD) was established in 2015 to meet the needs for better regional cross-border law enforcement cooperation, as well as to improve forensic capacities based on good practices and more detailed analysis of seized narcotic substances in the region. The RWGFD composed of senior officials of the competent counter narcotics authorities and forensic laboratories.
On 12 October 2021, The Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries organized another session of RWGFD with participation of 7 countries, Pakistan, I.R Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Republic of Kyrgyzstan and 33 experts to discuss enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories as well as developing the communication between law enforcement and forensic experts to share their best practices and to cooperate on investigations of drug related criminal investigation cases.
In addition, strengthening the capacity of forensic laboratories including IT equipment and spare parts to the chemical test/drug sections of the forensic laboratories of the RP-ANC member countries were among topics being addressed by experts and participants during this meeting.
through the Regional Working Group on Forensic Capacity and Drugs (RWGFD), the Regional Programme seeks to address any gaps in forensic analysis capacities related to drug seizures and to strengthen regional cooperation on drug cases and the understanding of trafficking routes and methods. Another goal is to strengthen the capacity of forensic laboratories in the region will be strengthened through the procurement of equipment and training courses on forensic laboratory analysis techniques.
Special thanks to the government of Finland for supporting this event.