DUSHANBE, August 12, 2015, Asia-Plus — The U.S. Embassy Dushanbe donated over 975 pieces of tactical equipment to the Drug Control Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Main Administration of the Border Guard Forces at the State Committee of National Security, and National Guard. These donations total more than $1 million and are funded by the US Central Command’s (CENTCOM) Counter-Narcotics Program.
The tactical equipment provided represents the continued commitment of the United States in countering the trafficking of illegal drugs in Tajikistan. The equipment includes items that will be used to increase Tajikistan’s capacity to identify, interdict, defend, and defeat narcotics trafficking within Tajikistan and its borders. Through increased training and equipping of government civilian forces, a major step forward will be achieved in ending drug related incidents within Tajikistan.
Major Anthony Garbauskas, the CENTCOM Counter-Narcotics Program Manager at U.S. Embassy Dushanbe, noted this security equipment hand-over continues to demonstrate the U.S. interest in working with government of Tajikistan to eradicate the illegal drug trade within the region. He thanked Tajikistan’s agencies for their continued efforts in countering the illegal drug enterprise and for their willingness to work with the United States.
The CENTCOM Counter-Narcotics program provides assistance to enhance and produce a self-sustaining, viable, and effective counter-narcotic force within Tajikistan. This program has provided nearly $145 million dollars of assistance since 2007.
