UNODC Hands over Next Batch of Equipment to Counter Illicit Drug Trafficking in Uzbekistan

7 February 2019, Tashkent - During the handover ceremony at the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia, the Interagency Mobile Teams (IMTs) of Uzbekistan received computer Polygraph systems, portable drug identification device and rapid drug detection tests. The equipment was handed over to the State Security Service, the Ministry of Interior and State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

"To date, Uzbekistan has established a new barrier to block drug trafficking channels from foreign countries. The IMT initiative is a timely response to the emerging threats." - highlighted Mr. Azizbek Erkabayev, Head of Department, National Information-Analytical Center on Drug Control under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The equipment will be used by the officers of the six IMT units located throughout the territory of Uzbekistan in their joint operations and investigation activities on countering illicit drug trafficking in Uzbekistan.

Along with the equipment, UNODC further supports the IMTs by delivering specialized training courses in a variety of topics designed to counter organized crime through enhanced criminal investigation skills.

"During our visits to the IMTs, we could witness the equipment in use. We are sure the equipment provided today will also be used effectively and benefit the IMTs." - noted Ms. Yoko Yamoto, the First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Uzbekistan.

This equipment adds to previous specialized equipment and vehicles provided to the IMT units during the official launch ceremony on 25 June 2018. In total,  the IMTs will be  provided with equipment worth over USD $1.1 million.

Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, thanked the donors and counterparts for putting the efforts together, and looks forward to continuing productive cooperation in future.

The initiative, "Countering trafficking of Afghan narcotics in Uzbekistan through establishment of Interagency Mobile Teams (IMT)" is implemented under the Sub-Programme 1 of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia (2015-2019) and generously funded by the Government of Japan.

 

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For more information

Please, contact Mr. Muzaffar Tilavov

National Project Officer, UNODC ROCA

E-mail: muzaffar.tilavov[at]un.org

Tel.: +998 78-120-80-50