Drug Control Headquarters’ hold a ceremony on International World Drug Day

Tehran, 25 June 2019- The Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ) of the Islamic Republic of Iran organized a ceremony in recognition of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The ceremony attended by high-rank officials from the Government, including Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dr. Hesamodin Ashna, Advisor to President and Head of Center for Strategic Studies as well as members of the international community.

The event, held on 24 June 2019 in the Drug Control Headquarters premises, aimed to celebrate the International World Drug Day as well as communicate the message of commitment of the Iranian government on drug control challenges.

Dr. Eskandar Momeni, Secretary General of Drug Control Headquarters, during his opening remarks, highlighted the drug challenge as a transnational issue which is combined with organized crime, corruption, money laundering, extremism and terrorism. He also referred to the financial and human cost that the Islamic Republic of Iran is paying for controlling drug entrance to Iran and preventing its transit from Iran’s western borders. Dr. Momeni further called for prioritizing Alternative Livelihood programmes in the plans of the global community; technical support and provision of equipment for countries in the transit routes and enhancing information exchange among countries.

Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Minister of Foreign Affairs, addressing the audiences highlighted the annual cost for implementing the drug supply demand reduction activities in Iran which is around 300 million dollars. He also opposed to the attempts for legalization of drugs and mentioned that such issues is not welcomed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Supporting the mission of UNODC and confirming its leading role in drug control and organized crime, Dr. Zarif stated that the traditional European donors have refrained from supporting Iran.  

In his remarks, Mr. Alexander Fedulov, UNODC Iran Country Representative, reaffirmed joint commitment to a collective action for reducing illicit production and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and highlighted UNODC active role in the Islamic Republic of Iran since 1999 with respect to capacity building and technical assistance and considered Iran as a strategic drug control and crime prevention partner in the region.

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For more information please contact:

Hossein Asgarian (Mr.), Programme Officer,

UNODC Country Office in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Tel.: +98 21 88 87 83 77-81,

email: hossein.asgarian@unodc.org