OSCE trains Tajik and Afghan law enforcement officers on precursors identification, backtracking investigations

DUSHANBE, 25 October 2010 - A training course on precursors identification and backtracking investigations for law enforcement officers from Afghanistan and Tajikistan started at the OSCE Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe today.

Drug precursors are chemicals used in illicit manufacture of drugs such as cocaine, heroin, ecstasy or methamphetamines. However, these chemicals have primarily large and varied legitimate use, such as the synthesis of plastics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, perfumes, detergents or aromas. Effective control of the trade of these chemicals and investigation from the place of seizure back to the diversion point is one of the best ways to fight drug production.

During the four-day course experts from Tajik Drug Control Agency will provide training on trends in precursor trafficking in the region and practical measures for countering it. The course includes case studies on drug and precursor operations, backtracking investigations and controlled deliveries, as well as a practical exercise on detection, testing and sampling of drugs and precursors. Valery Korotenko, an expert from the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna will be moderating the event.

"The course will increase the participants' knowledge of illegal trade of precursors in the region, the structure and role of law enforcement agencies dealing with control of precursors, as well as practical methods of detecting diversion of legal chemicals into illegal trade, securing evidence, dismantling of clandestine drug labs, handling and storage of precursors and use of protective equipment, which will help to make the officers' daily work more effective," said Alain Scolan, the Principal of the OSCE Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe.

The training course is organized with the support of the OSCE Secretariat's Strategic Police Matters Unit (SPMU).