UNODC-supported Border Liaison Office in Tajikistan intercepts shipment of around 72 kilograms of heroin

Interagency cooperation, intelligence-sharing and information exchange among law enforcement agencies in Central Asian countries play a key role in fighting against drug trafficking. UNODC has been concentrating its efforts on supporting the vulnerable border areas by strengthening the border crossing points and establishing working intelligence-sharing and enhanced cross-border communication mechanisms allowing detection and interception of contraband, including narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals.

On 21 November 2023, officers stationed at the UNODC-supported Border Liaison Office (BLO) at the Fotehobod border crossing point located in the Sughd region of Tajikistan intercepted a large shipment of narcotic drugs.

During the inspection of a motor truck that arrived at the border crossing point, the BLO officers found 65 black polyethylene wrappages containing 71 kg and 110 grams of heroin.

In recognition of the invaluable support of the UNODC in the prevention of illicit drug trafficking, Lieutenant General Khurshed Karimzoda, Head of the Customs Service under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, sent a letter of appreciation to Yusuf Kurbonov, International Programme Coordinator, UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia (ROCA). Lieutenant General Karimzoda expressed his agency’s gratitude to UNODC ROCA for its continued support in the provision of technical equipment and the professional development of the officers.

“Thanks to cooperation with UNODC, customs officers have been provided with unique opportunities to attend various training courses and workshops specifically designed to effectively combat and prevent the trafficking of narcotic drugs as well as other smuggled goods.

The knowledge, skills, and new technologies provided have significantly strengthened the capacity of officers to prevent illegal activities at the state border. Through cooperation with UNODC, the Customs Service continues to enhance the officers’ capacities and maintain their high professionalism in combating illicit drug trafficking.

We look forward to further cooperation with UNODC in our joint fight against organized crime and illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs. Joint efforts and cooperation are not only key to our continued success but also a prerequisite for achieving our common goals of ensuring security and sustainable development,” noted Lieutenant General Khurshed Karimzoda in the letter.

BLO at the Fotehobod BCP is one of 24 BLOs in the Central Asian region established at the key border crossing points under the Regional Project on Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation by Strengthening the Capacity of Border Liaison Offices in Central Asia of Sub-programme 1 Preventing and Countering Transnational Organized Crime of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia 2022-2025.

It is the first project to establish BLOs in Central Asia, and its stakeholders are the Ministries of Internal Affairs, Border Troops, Customs and Drug Control Agencies of each country.

The project strengthens the capacities of officers working at the BLOs representing all law enforcement agencies in countering transnational organized crime, including through various training programmes and the provision of cutting-edge equipment.

The project is funded by the Government of Japan.

The implementation of the project in Turkmenistan is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). 

*The photos are taken from the website of the Customs Service under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.

For further information, please contact: 

Nurangez Abdulhamidova 

Communications and External Relations Specialist  

UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia 

Email: nurangez.abdulhamidova[at]un.org