UNODC-WCO Global Container Control Programme enhances capacity of the Kazakh and Tajik Customs on the use of the portable drug analyzer  

From 16 to 18 November 2021, the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia (UNODC ROCA) jointly with the UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Service has organized a specialized training on the use of Handheld TruNarc Raman Field Identification Device for Seized Materials, Drugs, and Precursors the officers for the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan as well as the Customs Service and the Drug Control Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The training, held under the UNODC-WCO Global Container Control Programme (CCP) aimed at enhancing an expertise of the members of Port Control Unit (PCU) at Aktau Seaport and Air Cargo Control Unit (ACCU) in Almaty international airport in Kazakhstan and PCUs in Tajikistan in applying the TruNarc devices delivered to them earlier this year by the CCP.

The training, delivered by the experts from the Laboratory and Scientific Service in the UNODC Headquarters in Vienna, Austria has enabled extending capacities of Customs officers to detect and identify illicit narcotic drugs and precursors and applying best forensic practices in suppressing drug and precursors trafficking across the borders.

The Opening ceremony was attended by the representatives of the Embassies of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Republic of Tajikistan to the Republic of Austria, Permanent Missions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Republic of Tajikistan to the International Organizations in Vienna as well as senior management of UNODC CCP.

In welcome speech, Mr. Ketil Ottersen, CCP Global Coordinator, thanked the Governments of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan for continued support to the UNODC and CCP and expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills gained will foster PCUs/ACCU operations on interdiction of drugs at the ports.         

A three-day sessions covered topics on trends in trafficking and use of synthetic drugs; the specific terminology; health effects and harm the drugs pose; as well as legal approaches in the drug control matters. The training has provided the participants with an opportunity to learn about UNODC Forensic Standard and Global SMART Programmes, being introduced to drug and precursor identification using the Raman device, as well as methodologies for analysis of synthetics drugs and NPS. Practical exercises were conducted for participants on the maintenance of TruNarc Raman portable drug analyzer, the interpretation of substances, and reporting of the results. They have also learned how to apply a scientific knowledge to ensure an effective custody chain and evidence-based practice.     

The CCP Regional Segment for Central Asia is funded by the Government of Japan, the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and the Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Programme.

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For more information, contact Vasilina Brazhko (Ms.)

Communication and PR Specialist at 

UNODC in Central Asia 

+996775987817 WhatsApp 

vasilina.brazhko [at] un.org