West and Central Asian Countries join efforts to counter New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)
5 March 2018, Almaty, Kazakhstan
The UNODC Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries jointly with the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) convened a de-briefing for the regional operation "REFLEX" (REgional Forensic and Law enforcement EXercise).
36 senior experts on illicit drug control from law enforcement agencies, customs services and forensic units of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well as representatives from CARICC and UNODC attended the event.
CARICC, as the main coordinating body, presented the report on the results of operation "REFLEX-2017" highlighting the success of the operation in terms of strengthening interagency and regional cooperation in tackling illicit new psychoactive substances (NPS) trafficking and enhancing information exchange. CARICC also presented analytical work on trends and threats posed by trafficking and consumption of NPS in the wider region.
Participating countries reviewed the results of the operation and discussed both positive experiences and challenges and ways to refine and strengthen the operation in the future. All participating countries also stressed the importance of a unified response to the threats caused by NPS and have expressed their support for conducting regional operation "REFLEX-2018" under the coordination of CARICC.
The meeting was organized under the auspices of the UNODC Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries with funding from the European Union and Japan, and also supported by the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia.