UNODC's Specialized Training Initiative Targets Drug Trafficking in Southern Kyrgyzstan

Osh, the Kyrgyz Republic – The UNODC Programme Office in Kyrgyzstan, in collaboration with national partners from the Southern region of Kyrgyzstan, including Batken, Osh, and Jalal-Abad, hosted a pivotal training event on 23-25 November 2023 in Osh city. This initiative was part of the UNODC Project on “Strengthening capacity of Mobile Operational Teams (MOTs) of the Counter Narcotics Service (CNS) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic.”

 

The training brought together key national partners, including the Counter Narcotics Service, regional departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO), to enhance their skills and knowledge in combating drug trafficking. The event featured an international trainer and national trainers from PGO and the State Financial Intelligence Service, who provided in-depth insights and practical strategies.

 

The focus of the training was on addressing the complex financial structures underpinning drug trafficking operations. With the advent of electronic money and virtual assets, drug traffickers have evolved their methods, utilizing modern payment instruments that allow for the remote management of funds and their movement across borders. This training aimed to equip participants with the necessary tools and understanding to disrupt these financial networks and effectively combat the transnational drug system.

 

"The use of electronic money and virtual assets in drug trafficking presents a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies," said Mr. Andrey Seleznev, the Head of the UNODC Programme Office in Kyrgyzstan. "Through this training, we aimed to strengthen the capabilities of our national partners in the South region to tackle these sophisticated criminal networks."

 

The training underscored the commitment of the UNODC and its partners to address the evolving landscape of drug trafficking and its financial mechanisms. The collaborative effort between the UNODC, national partners, and the generous support of the Russian Federation highlighted a unified approach to combating drug-related crimes in the Kyrgyz Republic and beyond.”

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For more information contact Vasilina Brazhko

Communications and PR Specialist at 

UNODC criminal justice programme for Central Asia 

at +996775987817 WhatsApp

vasilina.brazhko [at] un.org