In the context of globalization, the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychoactive substances, and their precursors is emerging as a serious threat to human security and sustainable development.
According to the United Nation’s 2024 World Drug Report, approximately 300 million people worldwide (one in every 17 people) use drugs. Of these, more than 60 million suffer from opioid dependence.
Meanwhile, the spread of synthetic drugs is growing rapidly, especially their distribution via the internet (darknet) and with the use of cryptocurrency. This makes the process even more dangerous and virtually uncontrollable.
Today, there are more than 12,000 known types of drugs worldwide. In 2024 alone, over 180 new psychoactive substances were identified.
The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) is a leading international body in the field of drug control, crime, and anti-corruption. The organization was established in 1997 as a result of the merger of the UN International Drug Control Programme and the International Centre for Crime Prevention.
Uzbekistan’s cooperation with the UNODC is conducted through its Central Asian Regional Office, which was opened in Tashkent in 1993 and continues to operate today. This office provides practical assistance in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, as well as organized crime, corruption, and terrorism.
To prevent the threats mentioned above, Uzbekistan adopted its first-ever National Strategy on Combating Drugs and Drug-Related Crimes for 2024–2028 last year.
Paragraph 30 of this Strategy also notes the importance of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UNODC.
To strengthen cooperation with the UNODC and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), a task has been set to add the position of First Secretary to the staff of Uzbekistan’s embassy in Austria. This initiative will strengthen the country’s participation in international forums and its ability to systematically promote UN-related initiatives.
Additionally, paragraph 38 of the Strategy outlines the task of starting the process for Uzbekistan to become a member of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). Consistent measures are also being taken in this direction.
In this regard, expanding Uzbekistan’s cooperation within the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) is a priority. The CND is the main policymaking body in the UN’s drug control system. Its tasks include regularly analyzing the global situation, developing proposals for anti-drug measures, and strengthening the control system.
Uzbekistan’s full membership in the Commission would allow the country to participate in global decisions, expand cooperation, and advance its own initiatives on the international stage.
Thus, the consistent development of cooperation with the UNODC and other international bodies is of crucial importance. This collaboration helps Uzbekistan align its national strategies and programs with international standards, improve prevention and treatment services, strengthen border security, and foster a zero-tolerance attitude toward drug use in society.
Uzbekistan has also joined international conventions and protocols adopted under the UN framework and has been taking consistent measures to ensure their implementation. In recent years, national legislation has been adapted to modern requirements, and legal mechanisms against new forms of crime have been strengthened.
The increasing scale of drug abuse in Uzbekistan and the broader Central Asian macro-region requires countries to take joint action. In this process, the UN and its specialized bodies, particularly the UNODC, play a central role. This cooperation is of great importance for Uzbekistan, not only for effectively combating drugs but also for enhancing its reputation on the international stage.
Cooperation with the UNODC is conducted through the National Information and Analytical Center on Drug Control of Uzbekistan. From 2015 to 2024 alone, technical and practical assistance valued at $26 million was provided to Uzbekistan. Furthermore, in 2023–2024, 18 seminars, trainings, and courses were organized, where over 200 employees from relevant ministries and agencies improved their skills. The material and technical base was also strengthened with funds amounting to $468,000.
Furthermore, it’s essential to emphasize the unique and crucial role of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and their Precursors in ensuring regional security in Central Asia.
With the support of the UNODC, this center has been operating for over 20 years and has proven itself to be an effective platform for regional cooperation.
According to the latest data from CARICC, a number of serious problems are being observed in Central Asia. For example, in 2024, the region experienced:
– the number of secret drug preparation laboratories increased sharply, they amounted to 380;
– the seizure of 65,900 kilograms of precursors used in drug production;
– 51.8% increase in the number of drug-related crimes.
In response to these threats, an international expert meeting was held in Tashkent in April 2025. Initiated by CARICC, the UNODC, and the National Center, the meeting was dedicated to discussing the creation of an Early Warning System on synthetic substances.
During the meeting, the UNODC reviewed measures such as:
– Establishing a regional early warning platform.
– Monitoring distribution via the internet.
– Harmonizing legislation and creating a single database.
The parties also noted the spread of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS) as a major global threat.
The Early Warning System is currently being finalized and developed with CARICC member states. The parties plan to fully launch the system in the near future.
Additionally, with the support of the UN, large-scale awareness campaigns are being conducted among the public, especially youth, as part of efforts to promote drug prevention and a healthy lifestyle. International best practices have also been introduced to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration systems, which has helped improve the operations of treatment facilities and eliminate negative social stereotypes.
In June of this year, a number of “Port Control” teams operating throughout the country received technical equipment for customs control. This was done within the framework of the UNODC-WCO-INTERPOL Container Control Programme (CCP).
At the same time, a mentoring program was held at the “Olot” and “Khujadavlat” customs posts, with the participation of the “Ayritom,” “Chukursoy,” and “Yallama” posts, within the framework of a UN Global Programme. The event, organized by specialists from the Turkish International Academy, helped enhance the skills of border and customs personnel in detecting and inspecting high-risk cargo.
Uzbekistan has also become the first country in Central Asia to join the UN’s CHAMPS initiative. This program, developed by the UNODC, is aimed at drug prevention among adolescents and youth. The main goal of CHAMPS is to promote a healthy lifestyle, build resilience against drug addiction, and foster a positive social environment among young people.
Additionally, in August 2025, our country joined the GRIDS platform (Global Rapid Interception of Dangerous Substances), developed within the framework of a UN global program. This platform was created to effectively combat the spread of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances, as it can rapidly collect and disseminate information about newly emerging substances.
In conclusion, Uzbekistan is achieving great results in its fight against drugs and crime through cooperation with the UN. By integrating with the UN’s international programs and mechanisms, our country is implementing effective measures against the spread of narcotics.
Our capacity to combat illicit trafficking has been further strengthened through the new national strategy and international cooperation platforms. The technical and practical assistance provided by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) and the Central Asian regional offices is of crucial importance in this process.
Additionally, programs aimed at prevention, rehabilitation, and building youth resilience to drugs have been implemented, leading to significant achievements in fostering a zero-tolerance attitude in society. By further strengthening this cooperation, it’s clear that Uzbekistan is not only ensuring national security but also enhancing its standing on the global stage.
Thus, this joint fight with the UN is a vital factor for Uzbekistan’s sustainable development and for human security.