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

DOMODEDOVO, Russian Federation, 20 December 2016 - Eight Afghan law enforcement trainers completed an OSCE-organized train-the-trainers course at a Russian training facility near Moscow today, focusing on combating illicit drug trafficking and drug-related crimes.  

This two-week coursefor 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 skills in combating the production and trafficking of illicit drugs, so that they can provide training to others.

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 for identifying illicit drugs, their precursors and countering drug-related crime. The trainees practiced in searching residential areas and vehicles. They also learned how to effectively use special equipment.

Deputy Head of the All-Russian Advanced Training Institute of the Ministry of Interior Colonel Larisa Ivanova said that the Institute would continue supporting Afghan law enforcement personnel in combating the threat of illicit drugs and provide trainees with up-to-date skills and techniques required for anti-drug activities. She called for continued 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 enhance the capacity of Afghanistan as an OSCE Partner for Co-operation to tackle the world drug problem in line with the OSCE Concept for Combating the Threat of Illicit Drugs and the Diversion of Chemical Precursors. It has enriched representatives of Afghan law enforcement with knowledge to counter drug-related crime, including the use of proceeds of drug trafficking to finance terrorism.

This projectwas supported by the governments of the Russian Federation, the Netherlands and Germany.