DUSHANBE, 06.03.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – The 63rd session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs was held in Vienna from March 2 through March 4.

Along with the ministers and heads of drug control authorities of UN member states, the Tajik delegation led by the Director of the Drug Control Agency (DCA) Sherkhon Salimzoda also attended the session.

Salimzoda gave a report on the drug situation in Tajikistan in 2019, achievements and challenges in the fight against drug trafficking and drug prevention.

As part of the session, the Tajik delegation also participated in the side events of the SCO and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

On the sidelines of the events, Salimzoda met with the newly appointed UNODC Executive Director Ghada Fathi Waly.

Salimzoda informed Waly about the anti-drug policy of Tajikistan and its priority areas, achievements of the country, in particular, law enforcement agencies in the field of drug control.

Also on March 4, a side event was held within 63rd session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs at the initiative of Tajikistan. The journal Overview of the Drug Situation in Tajikistan in 2019 was presented which is annually developed and published by the DCA.

The event focused on the main trends in the drug situation in Tajikistan and the region, measures taken by the country’s government, ministries and departments, as well as international and public organizations for drug control and drug prevention, combating drug trafficking and organized criminal groups, strengthening the state border, conducting joint anti-drug operations with law enforcement agencies, international cooperation, implementation of programs and anti-drug projects in Tajikistan.

The UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia Ashita Mittal praised the implementation of the UNODC anti-drug programs in Tajikistan.