The Kazakhstan delegation, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, participated in the high-level segment of the 67th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported. The assembly saw the convergence of over 1000 delegates, including more than 100 heads of departments from various nations, all focused on combating drug trafficking.
Throughout the session, delegates deliberated on the imperative of international cooperation to formulate a comprehensive and balanced strategy in the battle against the global drug menace. Deputy Minister Aidos Rysbayev represented the Ministry of the Interior, delivering insights into Kazakhstan's multifaceted efforts to combat drug trafficking across national, regional, and international domains.
In his address, Rysbayev underscored the role of the Central Asian Regional Information Coordination Center, headquartered in Almaty, in combating the illegal trafficking of drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursors within Central Asia. Over the years, the center has evolved into a pivotal platform for 7 participating countries, 16 observers, and international organizations, facilitating collaborative solutions to the most pressing challenges and fostering effective interaction.
Particularly noteworthy was Kazakhstan's proactive advocacy within the UN Security Council, where the nation champions initiatives aimed at bolstering regional security and prioritizes the fight against the proliferation of psychoactive substances and synthetic drugs. Kazakhstan reaffirmed its readiness for concerted efforts to enhance mutually beneficial anti-drug cooperation and achieve tangible outcomes in the global campaign against drug trafficking.
Kazakhstan: Transit Hub and Emerging Drug Market
Kazakhstan has long served as a crucial passageway for narcotics, strategically positioned between drug-producing regions in South Asia, particularly Afghanistan, and the lucrative drug markets in Russia and Europe. The trafficking of Afghan opiates, primarily through what is known as the 'northern route,' yields an estimated revenue of $1.1–2.1bn. Additionally, Afghan-produced cannabis resin, commonly referred to as 'hashish,' traverses the northern route en route to Russia or Western Europe via Russia.
A diverse network of individuals and organizations orchestrates the drug trade across Central Asia. Among the most significant players in opiate trafficking, characterized by large-scale shipments, are Kurdish organizations based in Turkey. These groups handle all logistical arrangements and maintain regular communication between members in transit nations and key coordinators. Tajiks play a prominent role in organizing mid-level wholesale drug trafficking, primarily opiates, through Tajikistan's territory. They also play a crucial role in supplying the Russian heroin market, facilitated by linguistic connections and geographical proximity to Afghanistan. Various routes and operational methods are utilized, with Uzbekistan emerging as a significant player in recent years. Nonetheless, the Tajikistan–Kyrgyzstan pathway remains a primary route for substantial drug volumes flowing into Kazakhstan.
Beyond its role as a transit nation, Kazakhstan also grapples with drug consumption, particularly cannabis. Since around 2015, Kazakhstan, like several neighboring countries, has witnessed a surge in synthetic drug use. Moreover, the country has recently become a producer of synthetic drugs. One of the notable criminal syndicates operating in Central Asia is Khimprom, specializing in the distribution of synthetic drugs primarily through online channels in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus since approximately 2014.
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