UNODC and UNOCT Strengthen Ballistic and Forensic Capacities of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to Counter Illicit Arms Trafficking and Terrorism

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Strengthening ballistic and forensic expertise is critically important for ensuring national security, enhancing the effectiveness of criminal investigations, and securing successful prosecutions for arms trafficking and terrorism-related offences.

In this context, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), under the joint project “Countering the Nexus between Terrorism and Crime: Preventing and Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Their Supply to Terrorists,” and with generous funding from the Government of Canada, have provided modern forensic and information technology equipment to the Ministries of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Strengthening ballistic investigations in Tajikistan

On 26 November 2025, the UNODC Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan officially transferred high-precision digital ballistic comparison microscopes to the Ballistic and Forensic Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan.

These modular digital systems equipped with LCD panels will enable the Ministry to conduct high-precision ballistic examinations, systematically compare bullets and casings, and trace firearms used in criminal and terrorist acts. The equipment also supports the development and future expansion of national ballistic information systems, contributing to evidence-based investigations and successful prosecutions.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan highlighted the importance of continued cooperation with UNODC and UNOCT to further reinforce national forensic and technical capacities. Priority areas include the modernization of ballistic laboratories, expansion of data storage for automated ballistic identification systems, and developing specialized expertise to address emerging threats.

Through sustained technical assistance, institutional cooperation, and training activities, UNODC and UNOCT continue to support Tajikistan in strengthening its criminal justice response to illicit arms trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism in line with international standards and UN Security Council resolutions.

Strengthening forensic capacity in Uzbekistan

On 12 December 2025, UNODC delivered modern IT equipment to the Main Forensic Science Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan. The equipment will enhance the operational and analytical capacity of the ballistic laboratory, supporting investigations into illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons and terrorism-related offences.

This upgrade will improve the quality, efficiency, and reliability of forensic examinations and reinforce international cooperation in combating the illegal trade in firearms.

At the handover ceremony, Alexander Fedulov, Deputy Regional Representative of UNODC, expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its long-standing cooperation and emphasized the organization’s commitment to further partnership:

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan for its consistent cooperation and dedication to strengthening forensic, research, and ballistic competencies. These efforts represent an important contribution to countering the illicit circulation of firearms.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan remains a key partner for UNODC, and we stand ready to continue supporting the enhancement of expert and forensic capabilities in combating illicit arms trafficking and terrorism-related crime.”