Samarkand Hosts Forum on Transnational Drug Threats

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Samarkand hosted the launch of an international forum on 20 April dedicated to countering transnational drug threats, as well as issues of public safety and health.

The event is being held against the backdrop of growing global challenges linked to illicit drug trafficking and the activities of organized criminal networks.

The forum is organized by the Agency for Drug Control and Firearms under the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

It brings together representatives of more than 20 international organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the World Health Organization, as well as law enforcement leaders from around 50 countries and about 500 international experts.

Head of the Presidential Administration Saida Mirziyoyeva took part in the event and read out President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s address to the participants.

In his message, the president stated that the rapid evolution of new forms of transnational crime and the expansion of drug distribution channels require coordinated international action. He stressed that modern drug networks actively use digital technologies, concealed financial instruments, and cross-border schemes, making enforcement more complex.

Among the key initiatives outlined in the address was the proposal to establish a unified digital platform using artificial intelligence to enable real-time information exchange between law enforcement agencies of participating states.

Such a system is intended to track drug trafficking routes, identify suspicious shipments, and monitor criminal groups in real time.

Particular attention was also given to the financial dimension of illicit drug trade. The president emphasized that the narcotics business represents a multi-billion-dollar shadow economy linked to money laundering and broader criminal financing.

In this context, he proposed introducing unified identification standards for cryptocurrency exchanges, expanding international financial data exchange, and developing automated mechanisms to block suspicious transactions.

Another initiative put forward was the creation of an “international digital black code” system designed to identify and flag suspicious financial flows and strengthen oversight by banks and financial institutions.

In the field of healthcare and prevention, the establishment of a permanent international dialogue platform was proposed to develop unified approaches to the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals dependent on synthetic drugs. An additional initiative called for forming a Central Asian Association of Narcology with its headquarters in Samarkand.

Among other proposals, the need for a dedicated program for regions affected by high levels of drug trafficking was highlighted. This includes measures aimed at reducing socio-economic vulnerability, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, education and healthcare, and decreasing reliance on illicit economies.

Saida Mirziyoyeva emphasized the importance of international dialogue during the forum and noted the participation of representatives from more than 50 countries and international organizations.

The event also included the awarding of honors to several international partners for their contributions to cooperation in combating drug-related crimes.