UNODC conducted training courses for forensic experts from West and Central Asia on illicit drug analysis and use of laboratory equipment
Minsk, 2-13 September 2019
Timely laboratory analysis and profiling of narcotic substances can have a major impact on effective countering of illicit drug trafficking. The growing number of synthetic drugs and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) is considered to be among the main challenges faced by forensic laboratories of West and Central Asia.
To address these issues on 2-13 September 2019, the UNODC Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries (RP) in collaboration with the State Forensic Examination Committee of the Republic of Belarus organized two consecutive one-week long training courses on "Laboratory Identification of Illicit Drugs".
Throughout the practical training courses, forensic laboratory experts from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of Tajikistan and Republic of Uzbekistan have been introduced to the experience of Belarus in forensic analysis of synthetic and traditional drugs. Special focus of the training was made to the laboratory analysis of the New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
During the training, participants had a chance to conduct qualitative analysis using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), get acquainted with the experience of Belarusian forensic experts in laboratory analysis of NPS. Special attention at the training was paid to insuring high quality management standards by laboratory and forensic experts while conducting the drug tests. All participants successfully fulfilled the training and were awarded with certificates. Forensic experts expressed their satisfaction and requested to regularly organize such training courses.
The training courses were funded by the European Union and Finland.