OSCE Centre helps train Turkmenistan customs and border guards to detect drugs
(OSCE)Searching for drugs in the engine room, part of a training course on drug interdiction in Turkmenbashy sea port, supported by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat in February 2006. (OSCE) Photo details
ASHGABAD, 15 February 2006 - Customs officials and border guards from throughout Turkmenistan are taking part in training courses on intercepting illicit drugs, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with the support of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabad.
The week-long courses are being conducted by two German Customs Service experts, and include classroom exercises as well as hands-on training on railway carriages and a vessel in the Turkmenbashy sea port.
"The flow of drugs from Afghanistan is increasing and poses new challenges for law enforcement personnel in the region," said Wolfgang Rulfs of the Customs Criminal Investigation Office in Hanover. "Drug traffickers stop at nothing and are most inventive in overcoming law enforcement barriers".
Participants are learning about ways of finding concealed drugs in railway cars, containers and vessels using the latest search techniques and equipment. They will also be able to train other personnel deployed at border crossing-points.
The OSCE Centre in Ashgabad and the UNODC plan to continue their close co-operation in the field of combating drugs and are developing a training course on border management.
The week-long courses are being conducted by two German Customs Service experts, and include classroom exercises as well as hands-on training on railway carriages and a vessel in the Turkmenbashy sea port.
"The flow of drugs from Afghanistan is increasing and poses new challenges for law enforcement personnel in the region," said Wolfgang Rulfs of the Customs Criminal Investigation Office in Hanover. "Drug traffickers stop at nothing and are most inventive in overcoming law enforcement barriers".
Participants are learning about ways of finding concealed drugs in railway cars, containers and vessels using the latest search techniques and equipment. They will also be able to train other personnel deployed at border crossing-points.
The OSCE Centre in Ashgabad and the UNODC plan to continue their close co-operation in the field of combating drugs and are developing a training course on border management.