MINSK, 23 March (BelTA) – Uzbekistan is interested in Belarus' experience in combating illegal drug trafficking, BelTA learned from Andrei Mokiy, the leading expert of the National Research and Information Center on Drug Control under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan.
An Uzbek delegation is in Belarus on a visit from 22 to 27 March. It comprises representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the State Customs Committee. The specialists are expected to visit the Belarusian Interior Ministry, the State Forensic Examination Committee, the State Customs Committee, and also health facilities providing support to drug addicts.
“When the problem of new psychoactive substances emerged, Uzbekistan studied the background of different countries in tackling this problem. Belarus was chosen as an exemplary country as it took strong measures back in the day and set up a high-level forensic service. Belarusian chemical and toxicology units have a good technological infrastructure. The staff training has been organized at a high level, too,” Andrei Mokiy noted. In his words, Belarus' system to combat drug trafficking is effective.
The delegation plans to learn more how Belarusian experts identify new psychoactive drugs, their chemical structure, and designates the examined materials as derivatives of narcotics. The guests are keen to learn more about the work of the drug service, monitoring, and statistical reporting. They pay special attention to the assistance given to drug users, drug rehabilitation, and scientific research carried out by Belarusians.
Comprehensive work is underway in Belarus to form a single prevention environment, Tayana Migal, deputy head of the main directorate for medical assistance and examination, noted at the first official meeting at Belarus' Healthcare Ministry. In this regard, she considers it useful to share the country's experience in cooperation in the fight against drugs between different departments, agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
Belarus's practices in control over emerging psychoactive substances are among the most advanced in the world, noted Ivan Konorazov, chief addiction care physician at the Belarusian Healthcare Ministry. Belarusian specialists can include any new psychoactive substance in the list of narcotics, psychotropes, and their precursors monitored by the government. A crucial step was made in 2014 with the adoption of Ordinance No. 6 on prompt measures to counteract illegal drug trade. The document helped change the legal framework within a very short time. The country is also implementing the second comprehensive plan adopted by the government. It envisages not only fight against drugs but also prevention measures taken by the drug service.
The National Center for Drug Monitoring and Prevention prepares works out annual analytical reports. This information helps map out strategic avenues of further work, in the first place, in drug prevention. Several guides have been published to prevent binge drinking, alcoholism, and drug addiction among young people. These guides are designed for practitioners, psychologists, and psychotherapists.
