OSCE supports training on countering transnational organized crime and drug trafficking

ALMATY, 30 March 2015 – An OSCE-supported training seminar on countering transnational organized crime and trafficking in drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors began today in Almaty.

The five-day event was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the State Revenues Committee of the Finance Ministry and the United States Embassy in Kazakhstan with the aim to enhance the law enforcement agencies’ knowledge and improve their skills in addressing these transnational threats.

Some 30 customs officers from Almaty and the Almaty Region will learn best national and international practices on countering transnational organized crime and the illegal drug trafficking from national and international experts from Georgia, Lithuania and the United States of America.

Experts will provide an overview of best practices in identifying and precluding international channels of illicit drugs and the drug precursor trade as well as in using controlled deliveries and psychological techniques to identify drug traffickers. Interactive exercises will simulate real-life situations that customs officers might encounter in their everyday work.

“The OSCE has long prioritized building the law-enforcement agencies’ capacity to combat organized crime, in particular in identifying and eliminating sources of funding for the criminal groups,” said Political Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Astana Colin McCullough. “Only through shared experience and co-operation between participating States and government agencies can law-enforcement officials better understand how to address these transnational threats and protect the people they serve.”

Deputy Head at the Training Centre of the State Revenues Committee Muratzhan Dzhangozin said: “Through this training we hope to enhance the knowledge of employees engaged in the fight against drug trafficking and help them save thousands of lives by stopping the flow of funds to terrorist organizations.”

The event is part of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana's activities to build the host country’s capacities to prevent and counter transnational organized crime with a specific focus on countering the illegal trafficking of narcotics and their precursors.