Press Release: UNODC brought together forensic and drugs experts from West and Central Asia
9-10 November 2016, Almaty, Kazakhstan
The Third meeting of the Regional Working Group on Forensics and Drugs (RWGFD) was held on 9-10 November 2016 in Almaty, with the participation of Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Center (CARICC), Joint Planning Cell and theWorld Customs Organization.
The event was attended by 36 experts on forensic and illicit drug control from law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, customs service and Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
This activity was aimed at providing a platform for interaction and networking of officials as well as a forum for establishing networks, identifying target cases for the development of the investigation cases, and planning for joint forensic evidence-based regional operations in West and Central Asia.
During the two day event, delegations shared information on the situation and trends in the fight against drugs and New Psycho-active Substances (NPS) in their respective countries. The participants acknowledged the relevance and usefulness of the meeting, emphasized its importance for establishing networks among law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories of the wider region and expressed their support and readiness for further cooperation within the framework of the platform.
The meeting was organized within the framework of the UNODC Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries and funded by the generous contribution of the European Union.