Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 20 April 2022, the twelfth Meeting of the heads of the competent authorities of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization empowered to combat drug trafficking was held in Tashkent under the chairmanship of the Uzbek side, in which representatives of the SCO Secretariat also took part.

The director of the National Information and Analytical Center for Drug Control under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan Olim Narzullaev and the SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming delivered a welcoming speech.

The Meeting participants exchanged views on the drug situation in the SCO member states and discussed the prospects for the development of anti-drug cooperation.

The commitment was expressed to the line on maintaining and strengthening the international drug control system based on the three basic UN conventions, with its central coordinating role and the decision-making body in this area - the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs.

The heads of delegations spoke in favor of further building up effective cooperation within the framework of the fundamental documents of the SCO in the fight against drug trafficking and the full implementation of the Work Plan (2021-2023) for the implementation of the points of the Action Program for the Implementation of the Anti-Drug Strategy of the SCO Member States for 2018-2023.

Concern was expressed about the global problem of drug trafficking, primarily the steady growth of illegal production of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Afghanistan and the Golden Crescent zone, which poses a serious threat to regional and international security.

It was emphasized that a serious threat to regional security and stability is the rapid spread of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances and their abuse, as well as the growth in the illegal circulation of chemicals used in the production of drugs.

The importance of countering the use of modern information and telecommunication technologies and electronic financial systems in drug trafficking and laundering of drug proceeds, which have a negative impact on national, regional and global security, is indicated.

The heads of delegations noted the timeliness and relevance of the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to develop a Joint Anti-Drug Action Plan covering the countries of South and Central Asia, taking into account the historical proximity of these regions and the relevance of expanding cooperation with the SCO, including in terms of countering the drug threat from Afghanistan.

The parties confirmed their intention to further promote common approaches and cooperation in combating drug trafficking, as well as to preserve and strengthen the existing international drug control system at the UN and other anti-drug platforms.

The twelfth meeting of the Heads of the Competent Authorities was preceded by the Meeting of Senior Officials of the Anti-Drug Agencies of the SCO Member States and the meetings of four specialized working groups of experts.