Strengthening the Postal Supply Chains to Protect Postal Operators from Synthetic Drugs Smuggled in Kazakhstan
Astana, April 26, 2024 - In a concerted effort to bolster national security and combat the trafficking of dangerous and controlled substances through the postal system in Kazakhstan, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) GRIDS Programme coordinated with the Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries (RPANC) to deliver a 3-day hands-on multiagency training event for Kazakh officials.
The workshop, held between 24-26 April 2024, aimed to enhance the capacity of Kazakh authorities in addressing the trafficking of synthetic drugs, dangerous new psychoactive substances (NPS), synthetic opioids and related chemicals in the country. The event brought together key agencies including the Department on Countering Drug Crimes of the Ministry of Interior, Astana Police Department, Transport Police Department, Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA), Postal and Airport Customs Departments, Border Service and National Security Committee.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Zhanat Faizullin Operative officer of the Department on countering drug crimes of the Ministry of Interior, underscored the significance of such training initiatives in raising awareness and equipping officers to effectively tackle this pressing issue. Mr. Faizullin highlighted the threat posed by the exploitation of internet-related services and postal and express couriers in allowing traffickers to market and sell their products to more vulnerable people at a much faster rate.
Photo: Mr. Aleks Piecyk, GRIDS Regional Technical Officers for Central Asia, provides tailored personal protective equipment to officers, demonstrating their proper use.
The INCB Regional Technical Officer for Central Asia delivered a comprehensive approach, linking theoretical sessions with practical exercises to build the capacity of Kazakh officers. Participants received hands-on training on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and rapid drug test kits. These kits enable officers to make presumptive identifications of fentanyls, tramadol, and oxycodone, which are among the most commonly encountered trafficked synthetic opioids globally.
Moreover, the workshop provided officers with access to state-of-the-art advanced targeting tools and global communication platforms developed by the INCB. Among these tools were IONICS, GRIDS Intel HD, and ELITE, which facilitate real-time global information exchange and intelligence-led targeting. These resources serve to support both domestic and international investigations related to drug trafficking. The training also included a dedicated day for conducting online monitoring and investigations. The aim of the delivered modules was to enhance capacity of government law-enforcement to effectively identify and dismantle trafficking groups involved in synthetic opioids, NPS, and related chemicals and equipment by utilizing open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools and techniques.
Photo: Rapid drug field testing exercises using highly sensitive, safe and cost-effective presumptive drug test and PPE kits tailored to the realities of operator needs at international mail and parcel processing facilities.
Upon completion of the practical curriculum, the officers were equipped with the necessary skills for the safe handling, interdiction, and rapid testing of opioids. The training aimed to enable them to securely gather intelligence and intercept dangerous substances in the field. Officers also received access to ELITE, an advanced training platform that empowers them to continue building their skills sustainably.
The collaborative effort among the participating agencies and the support provided by the INCB through the GRIDS Programme are expected to bolster Kazakhstan's capabilities in combating the trafficking of synthetic opioids and NPS. By strengthening the skills and knowledge of law enforcement and border control personnel, the workshop contributes to be a more effective response to the growing challenge of drug trafficking in the region.
The Board's Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme and Project ION and OPIOIDS Project support Governments' capacity to respond to changing trafficking, illicit manufacture, marketing and sales of NPS, non-medical synthetic opioids and fentanyl-related substances by providing real-time communication, facilitating information exchange and intelligence development that interdict distribution of dangerous substances.
The GRIDS Programme is supported by the Governments of Canada, Japan, and the United States. This event was made possible through generous support of the United States Department of State Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) to the GRIDS Programme under the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats.
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Click here to learn more about the OPIOIDS Project
Click here to learn more about the Project ION