Tehan – Iran’s anti-narcotics police chief Iraj Kakavand and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Interior Vilayat Suleiman Ogur Eyvazov have agreed to increase cooperation in counter-narcotics efforts.
At a meeting in Baku, Mr. Eyvazov praised Iran’s unique measures to combat drug trafficking. “Given Iran’s valuable experience in the region and the world, we welcome expanded cooperation with Iran’s anti-drug police,” dchq.ir quoted Eyvazov as saying.
The official stressed the need to adopt a more effective approach to dealing with the problem of illegal drugs and expressed hope that the fight against drug trafficking will become more focused by strengthening bilateral exchanges.
Mr. Kakavand detailed Iran’s efforts and measures taken and announced that Iran is ready to share its scientific and operational experience, as well as information that will help identify drug traffickers.
The official said fostering collaborative efforts will result in more effective and targeted measures to combat drugs and dismantle criminal networks in the region.
Mr. Kakavand emphasized the important role of online information exchange in counter-narcotics efforts, noting that Iran considers the security of its neighbors to be its own security.
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