TEHRAN – Burkina Faso’s Security Minister Mahamadou Sana has expressed the country’s intention to benefit from the expertise of Iran’s anti-drug police in the fight against drugs.
According to a report by IRNA, he expressed Burkina Faso’s readiness to expand cooperation with Iran in various fields, particularly the sharing of experience and knowledge and the provision of laboratory equipment and drug-sniffing dogs.
Sana made the remarks during a meeting with Iran’s anti-narcotics police chief Iraj Kakavand. The officials spoke at a press conference on the sidelines of the 22nd International Police Security and Safety Supplies and Equipment Exhibition (IPAS), which was held from October 13 to 16.
Kakavand said a determined and targeted fight against drugs is a tough task that requires action across national and regional boundaries.
There will be no positive results or success unless all countries take effective steps to decisively combat drug trafficking by increasing cooperation, he added.
Foreign Minister Kakavnad highlighted Iran’s capabilities and educational capabilities, including its international training centers covering various specialized areas such as drug detection dog training, drug testing laboratories, and domestic drug detection tools, and announced its readiness to share knowledge with Burkina Faso through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
UNODC praises Iran’s efforts
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) commends the Iranian government for its great efforts and firm commitment to combating drug trafficking.
In December 2024, UNODC Iran Country Representative Alexander Fedulov attended a high-level meeting held at DCHQ on the occasion of the successful seizure of 2,400 kilograms of methamphetamine in Sistan-Baluchestan province.
During the meeting, Iranian Border Guard Commander Brigadier General Ahmad Ali Gudarji shared details of a large-scale drug seizure in Sistan-Baluchestan province.
In September 2024, Iranian forces successfully seized 2,400 kilograms of methamphetamine. The operation highlighted the relentless efforts of Iranian border forces on the front lines of the fight against the production and trafficking of drugs, especially drugs of Afghan origin.
Brigadier General Goudarji emphasized that the seizures reflect not only the escalating challenges posed by methamphetamine production in the region, but also the dedication of Iranian border guards, law enforcement and customs officials in tackling the problem.
Mr. Fedorov expressed his gratitude to the Iranian authorities for their valuable contribution to this global challenge.
Mr. Fedurov underlined the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and stressed the need for further international support to strengthen collective efforts to combat drug trafficking across West Asia.
UNODC representatives said the success of this operation is presented to the international community as a testament to Iran’s noble resolve in the fight against drug trafficking and dedication to regional security.
To strengthen the operational capabilities of the Iranian Drug Enforcement Police, UNODC provided the police with two medical equipment, including a portable Doppler ultrasound machine and a veterinary anesthesia machine, to support drug supply reduction efforts in Iran.
In this regard, an event was held at the premises of DCHQ in Tehran, attended by representatives of UNODC Iran, DCHQ and Iranian Narcotics Control Police (ANP), the UNODC website announced in a press release on November 18, 2024.
Iran remains one of the main transit routes for drug trafficking from Afghanistan to European countries. UNODC has built strong partnerships with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in several areas, including capacity building of Iranian law enforcement forces, and has provided technical assistance to the Government of Iran in the fight against illicit trafficking in drugs and precursors.
MT/MG