Fighting illegal drugs and precursors in focus at OSCE organized training seminar in Turkmenistan
Experiences in combating illegal drugs and precursors, new trends in drug trafficking and the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic were discussed during a three-day OSCE training seminar held in Ashgabat from 12 to 14 July 2021.
Twenty representatives of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, State Border Services, State Customs Services, and General Prosecutor’s Office attended the event.
Led by international expert from Georgia, the course comprised lectures and practical exercises followed by interactive discussions. It provided insights into relevant legislative frameworks and regional developments and sought to increase the operational awareness of law enforcement, border security and customs officials for detecting and identifying illegal drugs and chemical precursors used for drug production.
The course also aimed to help improve intra-agency and interdepartmental co-ordination and contribute to border control and police agencies’ efforts to intercept and prevent illicit drug trafficking and address drug abuse problems.
“Unquestionably, illicit drugs and new psychoactive substances are considered one of the most serious problems for communities, as well as a severe threat to health and safety of people and their social wellbeing. They disrupt public order, fuel violent crime and destabilize national economies,” said John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. “I am very worried about the global illicit drug problem. Law enforcement experts say the illicit drug market has proved ‘remarkably resilient’ to the pandemic crisis, as traffickers alter the routes and smuggling methods, and create new markets for their contraband. We must now respond in new ways to deal with the illicit drug trade. To do that, we must co-operate among OSCE participating States and globally to share the best anti-trafficking techniques and experiences.”
The event was organized within the framework of the Centre’s project, “Building Capacity of Law Enforcement and Security Officials of Turkmenistan in Countering Transnational Threats Related to Organized Crime and Terrorism.”