Ongoing projects: Precursor Trafficking

RER/E29 - "Precursors Control in Central Asia"

The original project was designed to review status of precursors control measures in Central Asian countries; identify problems of illicit diversion from international trade, manufacture, and from domestic distribution, and to establish adequate licit control mechanisms. Consequently this project focused on strengthening legislation, structures and human capabilities of the regulatory, Customs, scientific personnel and enforcement agencies, and on improving regional cooperation between relevant national agencies. With the project and its first revision having established a functioning licit control structure in Central Asia, it is now evident that precursor chemicals are predominantly trafficked through neighbouring countries, including Central Asia, into Afghanistan. Therefore, and in line with UNODC's regional strategy for West and Central Asia, Paris Pact recommendations and findings of the mid-term project evaluation, project shifts focus on measures in support of improved law enforcement operations against illicit smuggling of precursors in the region. Technical assistance will be provided to Customs and Border Guards at strategic border checkpoints and to mobile units to raise their precursor control/interception results. This project's inter-regional action will reach out beyond Central Asia and improve precursor control cooperation with Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and Russia.