The UNODC Regional Project on Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation by Strengthening the Capacity of Border Liaison Offices in Central Asia

UNODC in Central Asia employs an integrated approach to address drug-related challenges and enhance border security effectively. 

The strengthening of selected border crossing points and the establishment of a new system for enhanced interagency and cross-border collaboration, improved intelligence gathering and coordination to combat drug trafficking in the region - thus protecting vulnerable territories against the trafficking of Afghan opiates - are some of the key areas of cooperation for the UNODC Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan. 

The UNODC Regional Project on Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation by Strengthening the Capacity of Border Liaison Offices (BLOs) in Central Asia of Sub-programme 1 Preventing and Countering Transnational Organized Crime of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia 2022 - 2025 is designed to enhance the effectiveness of border crossing points and promote seamless cross-border collaboration through the advancement of BLOs, along with the establishment of robust information and communication networks for border agencies.

Across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, BLOs have been strategically established at key border crossing points. BLOs serve as hubs to facilitate enhanced communication and coordination among different national law enforcement entities operating along the borders. They play a pivotal role in fostering increased law enforcement cooperation via direct operational-level communication links across borders, enabling the swift sharing of real-time intelligence on drug traffickers. This ensures rapid and effective responses by law enforcement personnel on both sides of the border.

The project enhances the capacities of officers stationed at BLOs from the Ministries of Internal Affairs, Border Troops, Customs Services, and Drug Control Agencies in combating transnational crime. This is achieved through comprehensive training initiatives and the provision of cutting-edge equipment to empower these officers effectively.

These collaborative endeavors underscore a collective dedication to preventing and countering transnational crime, ultimately fortifying the borders in Central Asia and making the region safer and more secure for all.

For further information, please contact:

Nurangez Abdulhamidova
Communications and External Relations Specialist
UNODC Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan 
Email: nurangez.abdulhamidova[at]un.org