Four and a half tons of illicit drugs were seized in Tajikistan in 2017, reports Drug Control Agency

Dushanbe, 14 May 2018 - Senior officials of the Government of Tajikistan, representatives of diplomatic missions, officials of the UN and international organizations, as well representatives of civil society and media met for the "Narcotic drug situation in the Republic of Tajikistan in 2017" Briefing and discussed progress and trends in countering illicit drugs and organized crime in the Republic of Tajikistan. The event was initiated by the Drug Control Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan (DCA) and UNODC and hosted by Mr. Ismatullo Nasredin, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Mr. Shamshod Khushvakhtzoda, the DCA Chief of Staff, presented a detailed brief on illicit drug situation and efforts to combat drugs and crime, highlighting important seizures, drug control operations, as well as regional and international cooperation, including with UNODC.

"About 4.5 tons of illicit drugs were seized in Tajikistan over the past year by relevant law enforcement authorities, including 110 kilograms of heroin, 1 ton and 211 kilograms of opium and 3 tons and 126 kilograms of cannabis." - highlighted Mr. Khushvakhtzoda.

Ms. Ashita Mittal, the UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia briefed on UNODC's achievements in Central Asia, while also highlighting the upcoming initiatives for 2018.

Similarly, Mr. Jeremy Milsom, UNODC Senior Programme Coordinator of the Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries (RP), made a presentation on prospects for 2018, as well as the achievements of regional cooperation in 2017.

Mr.Sherkhon Salimzoda, the DCA Director, thanked the UNODC Regional office for Central Asia and  the Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries for the continued support in publishing of the DCA's annual review and its presentation during CND session in Vienna which received positive feedback from partners and stakeholders. The Review is funded by the European Union with the assistance of the U.S. Government.

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