UNODC conducted a training course at the BCP 'Ayritom' for law enforcement officers from Central Asia

On 12-16 June 2023, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Regional Office for Central Asia jointly with the Turkish International Academy against Drugs and Organized Crime (TADOC), Training Centre Türkiye, conducted a five-day regional training course on organizing control at border control point 'Ayritom', at the border between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. 

 

The training course was attended by 27 law enforcement officers from Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Republic of Uzbekistan.

“Above all, the aim of our training is to explore and discuss together one of the most pressing issues of our time – counteracting drug smuggling. It is not a secret that this phenomenon is a serious threat to our society, health, and safety of our citizens, and that is why our training and exchange of experience during the sessions will be of particular importance to us”, - noted Mr. Ravshanzhon Ruziev, Deputy Head of Risks Targeting and Monitoring Department of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan. 

 

The training provided participants with the updated information and skills related to risk analysis and assessment, document verification, interview techniques, search methods and principles, and modern equipment used to detect contraband materials.

“Together in responding to today’s challenges, we can effectively counter drug aggression and bring real benefits to the countries of the region”, - emphasized the importance of coordinated work in the region Ms. Zulfizar Sultanova, Specialist of Coordination Department the National Information and Analytical Center for Drug Control of the Republic of Uzbekistan during her opening speech.

 

Practical sessions, conducted at the BCP “Ayritom” provided an opportunity to inspect and hold search operations directly on the Uzbek Afghan border and share their experience on drug trafficking trends in Central Asia and Europe.

“I would like to underline the high organization of the training course, the professionalism of the trainers and the coherence of the training material in the event held under the auspices of UNODC. The experience provided by Turkish colleagues is undoubtedly a valuable material, some of which will be included in the training programme.”, - highlighted the importance of the event Mr. Yerzhan Ospanov, colonel, Associate Professor, Border Academy of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The event was conducted by Mr. Ziya Yildirim, Mr. Adnan Beksari, Mr. Halil Ibrahim Yağız who are high qualified experts from the Turkish International Academy against Drugs and Organized Crime (TADOС), and Mr. Yerzhan Ospanov, colonel, Associate Professor, Border Academy of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan and aimed to enhance knowledge and skills of mid-rank law enforcement officers on organization of effective border control while ensuring the legality of movements of goods across the border.

“This training course contains a harmonious and successful combination of all forms of learning. It contains a wealth of useful information that can be applied in the professional sphere. The teaching staff are highly qualified professionals with a wealth of knowledge, not only theoretical, but also practically applicable to everyday work” noted Mr. Vepa Kerimov, State Customs Service of Turkmenistan.

“The training course was organized at a high level. Special thanks to TADOC experts for providing information in a concise but very informed manner. The lecture methodology is very motivating. The received knowledge is very important for our daily work. We will share the newly received skills with our specialists”, concluded Mr. Alibekov Daniyar, Customs Officer of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The training was conducted within the framework of the Cross-Border Cooperation Project of Sub-programme 1 “Countering transnational organized crime, illicit drug trafficking and preventing terrorism” of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia 2022 -2025. The implementation of the UNODC Cross Border Cooperation Initiative in Central Asia is funded by the Government of Japan.

For further information please contact:              

Arifa Fatikhova    

Communications and External Relations Officer 

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 

Regional Office for Central Asia

Mobile: (+998 99) 825-05-43 | Email: arifa.fatikhova[at]un.org