Oskemen, Kazakhstan, 11 September 2025
The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), through its Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme, delivered specialized training for 21 multi-agency officers in Kazakhstan on the interdiction of synthetic drugs trafficked through parcel and postal systems.
The training delivered in cooperation UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia, enhanced operational capacity to identify and prevent the trafficking of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and other dangerous synthetics, with a focus on practical measures to safeguard communities from these threats. Officers received awareness-raising sessions on emerging substances, safe handling of parcels, and risk indicators for detecting synthetic drug trafficking.
Participants received access to, and training on, INCB's IONICS Suite, providing real-time secure communications and intelligence development capabilities for governments, as well as GRIDS Intelligence, SNOOP open-source intelligence (OSINT) and CHEMPROFILER tools enhancing identification and risk profiling at borders. Participants also received personal protective equipment and field testing kits along with practical training for safe interaction and intelligence exchange.
Mr. Duishen Talasbaev, INCB Regional Technical Officer, provided awareness-raising sessions underscoring the risks posed by synthetic drugs to public health and security in the region. Practical modules highlighted how law enforcement can detect trafficking activity, identify suspicious consignments, and prevent diversion. Using INCB's tools enable frontline agencies to identify and track emerging drug threats and to strengthen cross-border intelligence sharing in real time.
Through this USA-INL supported led course, INCB continued to strengthen the ability of government stakeholders at the border to detect, investigate and disrupt synthetic drug threats, while reinforcing cooperation with international partners and regional law enforcement.
The training was delivered jointly under the framework of the INCB GRIDS Programme and the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia, with the support of the United States Government, Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement.
The Board's Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme operates under the International Narcotics Control Board's unique Article 35 (1961) treaty mandate that supports Governments' capabilities to exchange information on trafficking, illicit manufacture, marketing and sales of NPS, synthetic opioids, fentanyls and related chemicals, by providing real-time communication, and capabilities to facilitate information exchange and intelligence development with the aim to interdict distribution of dangerous substances.
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