OSCE Centre supports training seminar in Kazakhstan on countering illegal drugs

ALMATY, 5 March 2014 – A three-day training seminar on drug-crime detection and prosecution, with a special focus on controlled delivery and purchase, began today in Almaty.

The workshop was organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana in co-operation with EU-UNDP Border Management Programme in Central Asia and the U.S. Embassy.

Some 20 participants from Kazakhstan’s law enforcement agencies involved in combatting and preventing the sale of illegal drugs including customs officers and police officers, as well as representatives from the Prosecutor General’s Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Central Asian Regional Information and Co-ordination Centre for combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors will learn about best international practices in the investigation of drug crimes and prosecuting them.

Law enforcement experts from Georgia and Lithuania will focus on their countries’ experience in controlled delivery and controlled purchase activities. A practical exercise aims to enhance participants’ skills in investigative activities they implement in the field.

“The fight against drug trafficking demands a cross-dimensional approach from the OSCE and its participating States as the problem goes beyond borders, undermines the economy, social stability and public confidence in the state,” said Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, Head of the Centre in Astana. “Only through regional co-operation can this problem be properly addressed.”

The event is part of the OSCE Centre in Astana’s activities in supporting Kazakhstan’s efforts to counter drug trafficking.