Strengthening of the Drug Control Capacities of the Iranian Law Enforcement

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the Islamic Republic of Iran organized a ten-day specialized training course on “Controlling Measures against Drug Smuggling (Including at Airports)”, in Moscow, the Russian Federation, from 23 September to 03 October 2024. This training was organized in collaboration with the Domodedovo Institute of Advanced Training, which operates under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation and aimed for officers from the Anti-Narcotics Police of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

UNODC has been actively present in the Islamic Republic of Iran since 1999 and considers Iran as one of the strategic partners for drug control and crime prevention in the region and has been supporting the country by providing technical assistance and skills improvement activities since its establishment. UNODC Iran cooperates with the government of the Russian Federation, as a donor of its activities. The training was among a series of skills improvement events held in the Russian Federation and in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the support of Russian professional instructors. 

Comprehensive curriculum of this specialized training encompassed key elements of knowledge and practices in combating illicit drug trafficking and search techniques; modern possibilities for identifying individuals who smuggle narcotic drugs; and methods for concealing illicit items on road, rail and air transport. In addition to various lectures and classes envisaged under the curriculum of this training, practical visits, trainings and demonstrations were foreseen for the members of the delegation, which significantly enriched the courses, and complemented the theoretical section. 

In this training, the Iranian delegation also visited the Kazan railway station and Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow. To advance professional practical skills, participants were demonstrated with various sections of the airport and railway station, including passenger areas, customs check, luggage transfer and canine unit. 

In an opening message, Mr. Alexander Fedulov, the UNODC Iran Country Representative, hoped that this specialized training which was among a series of activities organized under generous funding of the Russian Federation, would be beneficial to participants and highlighted the importance of global cooperation in fight against drugs. He also stated that due to its unique geographical location, Iran bears a great responsibility, and at the same time, it has shown great commitment in fight against drugs and crimes. 

At graduation ceremony, the certificates of the participants from the Islamic Republic of Iran were handed over by Mr. Skivterist, the Head of the Domodedovo Russian Institute of Advanced Training of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. He expressed readiness of the Institute to continue cooperation and sharing of professional knowledge with colleagues from the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

UNODC Iran cooperation with academies from the Russian Federation lies under the UNODC Country Partnership Programme for the Islamic Republic of Iran. The advanced training, held in this institute was made possible through support from the Russian Federation, and effective coordination extended to UNODC Iran by the Russian Embassy in Tehran.

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For additional information please contact
Sougand Babaei (Ms.), National Programme Assistant.
UNODC Country Office in the Islamic Republic of Iran Tel.: +98 21 88 87 83 77 - 81
Email: sougand.babaei@un.org