OSCE-supported training course for Kyrgyz law enforcement agencies on countering drug crimes concludes in Osh

OSH, Kyrgyzstan, 21 October 2016 – An OSCE-supported two-day training course for some 20 officers from Kyrgyz law enforcement agencies on countering drug crimes concluded today in Osh.

Experts of Lithuania’s Criminal Police Bureau conducted an intensive practical course on detecting and investigating transnational illicit drug trafficking with the aim of raising awareness of law enforcement officers on transnational drug crimes, equip them with new knowledge and skills, and enhance their co-operation and collaboration.

“The goal of this course was not only to train the participants to detect and investigate drug crimes, it also served as a platform for common discussion and consolidation of the law enforcement agencies authorized in combating drug crimes,” said Pavel Khalashnyuk, Head of Police Affairs of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

A similar training course was conducted for law enforcement agencies in Bishkek from 17 to 18 October 2016. By the end of the course, some 40 officers of the Interior Ministry, State Committee on National Security, State Service on Execution of Punishment, State Customs Service and the State Border Service from all regions of the country received certificates of participation. 

The training course is part of the OSCE Centre’s project on strengthening the Kyrgyz law enforcement capacities to fight organized crime, drug trafficking and cybercrime. Lithuanian experts became involved in this project following the Letter of Intention on co-operation signed between the OSCE Centre and the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau in April 2014.