UNODC is actively enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in Central Asia to strengthen their efforts against cross-border crime and improve border control and management.
On 18-22 April 2022, UNODC held a hybrid regional training course in Almaty, Kazakhstan, focused on risk profiling and management at state border checkpoints. This training brought together twenty-six border and customs officers from Central Asian countries.
The objective was to enhance the officers' knowledge and skills in profiling potential offenders, vehicles, and goods crossing the state borders at international air, road, and railway checkpoints. Participants also learned to identify risks using relevant risk management tools.
Yusuf Kurbonov, UNODC International Programme Coordinator, inaugurated the training, expressing gratitude to the Government of Japan for its ongoing support of the Cross-Border Cooperation Project in Central Asia. He also acknowledged the Central Asian governments for their long-standing partnership with UNODC in combating drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, corruption, and terrorism.
“Despite the pandemic, illicit drug markets have rebounded swiftly from the initial slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with countries worldwide reporting record seizures of heroin and cocaine over the past year. The threats are escalating, and illegal drugs are now more accessible than ever, thanks to the growth of online sales and contactless delivery. In this context, this training is especially pertinent,” stated Mr. Kurbonov.
The training featured a diverse array of topics delivered by international and national experts with extensive experience in risk profiling and management, including Lola Shakimova, a psychologist from Kazakhstan, Azamat Sabyrbekov from Kyrgyzstan, and Mustafa Erten, Head of the UNODC Programme Office in Tajikistan. Topics covered included the fundamentals of the profiling system, characteristics of drug couriers, psychological and physiological signs of deception, psychodiagnostics, speech analysis, and non-verbal behaviors of individuals.
Trainers imparted insights on decoding the behaviors, emotions, and personalities of suspected offenders. Practical sessions equipped trainees with the skills to identify and mitigate risks associated with illegal activities at the state border.
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing appreciation for the training’s informative and practical nature. They praised the event's organization and the instructors' expertise, noting the engaging and thorough presentation of educational materials. Given the existing challenges posed by international terrorism and extremism, as well as illicit drug trafficking and smuggling, officers highlighted the critical need for ongoing capacity-building in profiling and risk assessment at border checkpoints.
This training was part of the UNODC Regional Project on Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation in Central Asia under Sub-programme 1 of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia, funded by the Government of Japan.
For further information, please contact:
Nurangez Abdulhamidova
Communication and External Relations Officer
UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia
Email: nurangez.abdulhamidova[at]un.org