Review of the Narcotic Drugs Situation in Tajikistan
Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan, 14 May 2018
Senior officials of the Government of Tajikistan, representatives of diplomatic missions, officials of the UN and international organizations as well representatives of civil society and media met to discuss progress on countering illicit drugs and crime in the Republic of Tajikistan. The event organized by the Drug Control Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan (DCA) and UNODC, and hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, took place in Dushanbe on 14 May, 2018.
DCA Chief of Staff, Mr. Shamshod Khushvakhtzoda gave a detailed brief on illicit drug situation and efforts to combat drugs and crime, highlighting important seizures, drug control operations, as well as regional and international cooperation including with UNODC. Mr. Khushvakhtzoda highlighted that 4 tons and 448 kilograms of illicit drugs had been seized in Tajikistan over the past year by relevant law enforcement authorities, including 110 kilograms of heroin, 1 ton and 211 kilograms of opium and 3 tons and 126 kilograms of cannabis.
Ms. Ashita Mittal, the UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia briefed on UNODC's achievements in Central Asia, while also highlighting the upcoming initiatives for 2018. Similarly, Mr. Jeremy Milsom, UNODC Senior Programme Coordinator of the Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries (RP), made a presentation on prospects for 2018 as well as the achievements for 2017 in terms of regional cooperation.
The DCA Director, Mr.Sherkhon Salimzoda thanked the UNODC Regional office for Central Asia and the Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries for the continued support in publishing of the DCA's annual review and its presentation during CND session, Vienna which has received positive feedback from partners and stakeholders.
The Review has been funded by the European Union with the assistance of United States Embassy in Tajikistan.