TEHRAN –Modern drug detection devices procured by the government of Japan and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) aim to strengthen the capacity of the Iranian anti-narcotics police to handle drug-related issues.

On the sidelines of a meeting held on Saturday in Tehran, the Japanese ambassador to Iran, Takami Tsukada, and the UNODC representative, Alexander Fedulov, delivered modern narcotics detection tools to the Iranian police.

During the meeting, the deputy chief of the Iranian anti-narcotics police, Nosratollah Barin, commended the UNODC and Japan’s assistance in providing the country with modern devices and technologies.

Barin, moreover, highlighted the significance of bolstering global cooperation in tackling drug trafficking, saying that based on the principle of joint responsibility, all countries should fulfill their roles and cooperate in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.

“Undoubtedly, no single country can achieve success in the battle against drugs in the international arena. Success relies on all countries’ collaborations,” he said.

Tamaki, for his part, lauded Iran’s great achievements and measures in approaching drug-related issues. The Japanese official said, “Enhancing drug detection capacity of anti-narcotics police by equipping them with modern tools, and fostering global cooperation will for sure yield positive changes.”

He stressed that Japan recognizes Iran’s efforts and will continue supporting the country despite international problems.

Fedulov, for his part, acclaimed Iran’s measures in the battle against narcotics. He went on to say that improving technical capabilities as well as employing narcotics detection dogs will contribute to the overall well-being of societies.

Iran’s measures and experiences in combating drugs should be shared with other countries through the UNODC website and/or other international media, he further noted.

The UNODC will assist and support the Iranian anti-narcotics police measures, he added.

Discussing the UNODC future plans, the official went on to say that the UNODC aims to foster regional interactions by holding multilateral meetings in the region, conducting educational courses, as well as sharing Iran’s valuable experience and expertise with other countries.

Iran on the frontline

Iran has been the only country on the front line of the war against narcotics for over 45 years despite oppressive sanctions of the U.S., the economic problems ahead, and the limited contribution of other countries.

With 4,000 martyrs in the fight against drugs, Iran is now self-sufficient in preventing addictions and has changed the balance of power in favor of the youth in the region, IRNA reported.

About 35-40 percent of the drugs produced in Afghanistan are smuggled through Iran to enter Europe and west of Asia.

However, with the bravery and perseverance of anti-narcotics police, more than 75 percent of the drugs are discovered and destroyed.

MT/MG