DUSHANBE, September 8, Asia-Plus — The European Union (EU) provides 500,000 U.S. dollars in the framework of the EU-UNDP BOMCA/CADP Project for establishment of the specialized national canine service of Tajikistan for training narcotic detection dogs, according to the Tajik Drug Control Agency (DCA) press service.
The project includes construction of puppy house, veterinary unit, dog enclosure, two training classes, self-training class, library, and hotel for 20 people.
The national canine service will be established on the basis of the dog training center within DCA that was established in 2002 under financial support of the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), the source said.
Since 2002, the DCA narcotic detection dogs have participated in special operations that have resulted in the seizure of more than 1,554 kilograms of narcotics, the source noted, adding the DCA dog training center now has 12 narcotic detection dogs.
The objectives of the Border Management Program for Central Asia (BOMCA) are to contribute to the facilitation of legitimate trade and transit; to reduce the illicit movement of goods and people; and to help increase security in the region. The main component of BOMCA is capacity development for integrated border management (IBM) through exposure of the leadership of all agencies to European ‘best practices’ of IBM and specialized training on IBM and cross border cooperation. The program also aims to modernize and upgrade training facilities and to improve the working conditions at border crossing points on regional trade corridors. By providing infrastructure (fully constructed and equipped BCPs and Border Outposts), equipment and training, and international markets, the program has contributed to the strengthening of the Tajik-Afghan border.
CADAP is aimed to reduce drug trafficking, the EC launched its Central Asia Drug Action Program (CADAP) in 2001. This program fosters a public health approach to drug demand and an interdiction approach to drug supply. It is implemented in conjunction with the BOMCA program and some activities (including provision of a drug detecting dog capacity) are interlinked.
