Official Handover Ceremony at the Drug Control Headquarters
16 February 2025
UNODC handed over four drug identification devices, procured through generous support of the Government of Japan in Tehran.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the Islamic Republic of Iran handed over four (4) drug identification devices, procured through generous support of the Government of Japan, in an official ceremony at the premises of the Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ) in Tehran.
These devices, intended for detecting a wide range of trafficked drugs, particularly along Iran’s eastern borders with Afghanistan, were procured under Sub-Programme 1 of the UNODC Country Partnership Programme (CPP) 2023-2026. The official handover ceremony took place at the Drug Control Headquarters in Tehran, with the presence of H.E. Ambassador Tamaki Tsukada, the Ambassador of Japan to Iran, representing the Government of Japan. Japan has been a longstanding supporter of UNODC Iran’s efforts in drug supply reduction.
H.E. Ambassador Tamaki 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 fight against drugs, is very impressive.
During the official ceremony, Mr. Alexander Fedulov, UNODC Iran Country Representative, expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador of Japan for the financial support provided to UNODC activities. He emphasized that UNODC has built a strong partnership with the Government of Iran and has a deep understanding of the educational and technical needs of drug control and law enforcement agencies. Additionally, he underscored the importance of equipping drug control entities, given the rising trend of Methamphetamine trafficking from Afghanistan.
In this official event, Mr. Narimani, Interim Director General of the International Relations Office of DCHQ, expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Ambassador and the UNODC Iran Country Representative. He acknowledged that, despite shifts in donor countries’ priorities in recent years, Mr. Fedulov has remained committed to engage both traditional and new donors. He also emphasized that any assistance provided to Iran in combating drug trafficking is ultimately a contribution to the global fight against drugs.
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For additional information please contact Sougand Babaei (Ms.)
National Programme Assistant, UNODC Country Office in the Islamic Republic of Iran