TEHRAN –Given that there are over 1,180 types of narcotics in the world, Iran’s accomplishments in the battle against illicit drugs are undeniable, an official with the anti-narcotics headquarters has said.

“According to a United Nations research, like poverty, weapons of mass destruction, and environmental crises, addiction is one the most important global challenges, IRNA quoted Alireza Kazemi as saying.

The official went on to say that the country’s efforts encompass fight, prevention, and treatment which have changed the world's attitude towards Iran in the fight against narcotics.

UNODC supports Iran in supply reduction activities

In July, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the Islamic Republic of Iran handed over 4 drug identification devices, procured through generous support by the Japanese Government, in an official ceremony at the premises of the Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ) in Tehran.

These devices which will be used for controlling a wide range of drugs trafficked, especially at the eastern borders of Iran with Afghanistan, have been procured under sub-program 1 of UNODC Country Partnership Program (CPP) 2023-2026, the UNODC website announced in a press release in January 24.

This official event was organized at the Drug Control Headquarters in Tehran, with the presence of Tamaki Tsukada, Ambassador of Japan in Iran, as the representative of the Government of Japan. The government of Japan has been supporting UNODC Iran's activities on Drug Supply Reduction for many years.

Tsukada expressed his willingness to support trilateral cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran, UNODC, and the government of Japan.

He also commented on the successful achievements of the Islamic Republic of Iran and stated that the level of activities and seizures by Iran, at the frontline of the fight against drugs, is very impressive.

In his remarks during the official ceremony, Alexander Fedulov, UNODC Iran Country Representative, expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador of Japan, for the financial support given to UNODC activities, and stated that UNODC has established a strong relationship with the Government of Iran and is highly aware of the educational and technical requirements of the drug control and law enforcement agencies and is willing to extend required support upon availability of financial support from donor countries.

He also referred to UNODC Iran activities in the current year, which include procurement of drug identification devices. He also highlighted the importance of support in equipping drug control entities, considering the increasing trend of trafficking Methamphetamine manufactured in Afghanistan.

In this official event,  Mahdi Javaheri, Director General of the International Relations Office of DCHQ, expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Ambassador and UNODC Iran Country Representative and referred to the coordinating role of the DCHQ and stated that all entities and organizations under the leadership of the DCHQ are well determined and unified in fight against narcotics, which demands for global support and attention. 

Modern drug detection devices procured by the government of Japan and the UNODC aim to strengthen the capacity of the Iranian anti-narcotics police to handle drug-related issues.

 MT/MG