In the fight against drug dealing, the UN convention against illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances has an important role.

In the fight against drug dealing, the UN convention against illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances has an important role.

In 1995, Uzbekistan joined this convention and other international documents relating to fighting against narcotics. The country is completely fulfilling tasks specified in these documents.

In this country, a state system has been formed to fight against drug dealing and illicit traffic in narcotic substances.

Apart from the drug control national information and analysis centre at the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a separate system at law enforcement agencies is also working to fight against this calamity.

For state level coordination, an interdepartmental body – a state commission is also working in this area.

In the national legislation, there is a strong legal basis for preventing and rooting out drug-related crimes, for cooperation among law enforcement agencies in this area, treating drug addicts and other important issues.

According to information from the drug control national information and analysis centre at the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, there has been positive dynamics in the main indicators relating to the drugs situation. For instance, in the past five years, the number of registered drug addicts decreased noticeably.

Drug-related crimes also decreased considerably. As a result of preventive operations by law enforcement agencies, more than 2.5 tonnes of narcotic substances were seized in 2015.

International cooperation was also initiated in strengthening drug control and in fighting against drug dealing and illicit traffic in narcotics. Effective work is being carried out within the framework of the OSCE, the European Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the UN office on fighting drugs and crime.

During the Tashkent summit of the SCO on 17 June 2004, an agreement was signed on cooperation in fighting against illicit trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic substances. This is important in fighting against illicit drug trafficking entailing various life-threatening crimes.

International cooperation in fighting against illicit drugs helps not only to ensure security in the region but also to strengthen the material and technical base of the sphere and to boost personnel capacity. Relevant departments are provided with modern equipment and necessary tools. Law enforcement officers and employees of other relevant agencies are attending various training courses and seminars, including at training centres abroad.

Large-scale explanatory work is being carried out among the population through mass media and direct conversations. Representatives of law enforcement agencies are conducting dialogue at educational establishments and calling for awareness among young people. In order to expand the public’s participation in this sphere, training seminars are being arranged for active representatives of citizens’ local self-government bodies.