OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan supports fight against illicit drugs

ANDIJAN, Uzbekistan, 23 April 2013 – Addressing the challenges of illicit drug distribution is the focus of two seminars supported by the OSCE that opened today in in Andijan in the eastern part of Uzbekistan, and will continue on 25 April in Ferghana city.

About 80 representatives of local law enforcement agencies, narcotics medical facilities, and regional administration will discuss the latest national regulations and preventive measures in the fight against illicit trafficking of drugs and chemical precursors. Special attention will be paid to prevention of drug abuse among young people, detection of drug dealers.

“Illicit drugs pose a serious threat to security and stability, as they damage health and wellbeing of individuals and their families while financially supporting organized crime,” said Christoph Opfermann, Senior Project Officer of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan in his opening speech. “This event offers a forum to discuss practical ways of detecting and interdicting drug trafficking, preventing spread of drug abuse, and developing interaction and co-operation between various agencies in this area.”

The two seminars will bring together participants from Andijan, Ferghana and Namangan provinces responsible for implementing a country-wide programme in controlling illegal drugs. Events are organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan jointly with the National Centre for Drug Control.

Since 2008, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan has been working together with the National Centre on Drug Control on fighting illicit drug circulation and trafficking.