Tehran – During a meeting held in Rawalpindi, Iran and Pakistan’s anti-drug police investigated the possibility of widening relations between the two countries to curb drug trafficking.
The Iranian delegation led by Iranian anti-drug police chief Iraj Kakaband met Major General Abdul Moyed (military), Deputy Director of the ANF (ANF) of Rawalpindi’s ANF Headquarters, Major General Abdul Moyed on September 30th.
During the meeting, authorities emphasized the importance of strengthening joint efforts to combat drugs, the IRIB reported.
During the bilateral talks, both sides engaged in detailed discussions on issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the fight against drugs, the Daily Independent reported.
Discussions primarily focus on strengthening intelligence sharing to identify and dismantle drug smuggling networks, implementing joint operational measures to combat cross-border drug smuggling, and addressing the challenges of joint borders to prevent drug smuggling along the Pakistan-Iraq border.
As part of the three-day trip, Iranian delegations visited the Ministry of Home Affairs, ANF Academy Islamabad, model addiction treatment, rehabilitation, integrated centre Karachi and the Karachi ministry of Port Control Units, to acquire Pakistan’s specialized training, drug prevention initiatives, and rehabilitation of affected individuals.
Both sides praised each other’s efforts and initiatives in combating drug and drug-related crime, and reaffirmed their joint commitment to creating safe, drug-free communities.
Iran’s substantial efforts in the fight against drug trafficking
The United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) praises the Iranian government for its substantial efforts and unshakable commitment to tackling drug trafficking.
On December 8, 2024, UNODC Iranian country representative, Alexander Federov attended a high-level meeting held at the Drug Management Headquarters (DCHQ) when a successful seizure of 2,400 kilograms of methamphetamine was at the Cistan Barchestan facility.
During the meeting, Brigadier General Ahmad Ali Gordalj, commander of Iran’s border patrol, shared details of a major drug attack in Sistan Balushestan province.
On September 10, 2024, the Iranian military managed to seize 2,400 kilograms of methamphetamine. The operation underscored the relentless commitment of Iranian border forces. Iran’s border forces are at the forefront of combating drug production and human trafficking, particularly those derived from Afghanistan.
Brigadier General Goudarzi emphasized that the attack reflects the escalating challenges posed by methamphetamine production in the region, as well as the dedication of Iranian border guards, law enforcement and customs officials in addressing the issue.
Federov, on his part, expressed his gratitude to the Iranian authorities for their valuable contributions to this global challenge.
Fedulov highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and the need for further international support to strengthen collective efforts to combat drug trafficking across West Asia.
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