OSCE supports law enforcement trainers from Afghanistan in advancing their knowledge and skills in combatting illicit drugs

DOMODEDOVO, Russian Federation, 21 December 2015 - Twelve Afghan law enforcement trainers completed an OSCE-organized train-of-trainers course at a Russian training facility near Moscow today, focusing on combatting illicit drug trafficking and drug-related crimes.  

This two-week course, the second to be held this year, for Afghan law enforcement trainees at the All-Russian Institute of Advanced Training of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation in Domodedovo was organized by the Strategic Police Matters Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department.

The training course aimed to develop the knowledge of Afghan trainees and their practical and training skills in combatting the production and trafficking of illicit drugs. The course covered planning skills and tools to enhance the participants’ capacity to deliver training courses in search operations including in the use of modern techniques of identification of illicit drugs and their precursors. The trainees took part in practical exercises in searching residential areas, airports and vehicles. They also learned how to effectively use sniffer dogs and special equipment.

The Head of the All-Russian Advanced Training Institute of the Ministry of Interior Lieutenant General Yury Demidov said that the Institute would continue supporting Afghan law enforcement personnel in combatting the threat of illicit drugs and provide trainees with up-to-date skills and techniques required for anti-drug activities. He expressed his hope for future co-operation with the OSCE in organizing joint training courses for Afghan law enforcement experts.

Guy Vinet, Head of the OSCE’s Strategic Police Matters Unit said that the course was part of the Transnational Threats Department’s activities to support Afghanistan as an OSCE Partner for Co-operation and to operationalize the OSCE Concept for Combating the Threat of Illicit Drugs and the Diversion of Chemical Precursors.

During 2015, 23 experts from the Afghan law enforcement agencies have been trained as part of this project, which was supported by the governments of the Russian Federation and the Netherlands.