Handover Ceremony of Drug Control Agencies Headquarters Jirgital and Darvoz, Tajikistan

Dushanbe. 13 August. “Asia Plus” — On August 12th, United States Ambassador to Tajikistan Susan M. Elliott facilitated the donation of two district offices in Jirgital and Darvoz for the Drug Control Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan (DCA), totaling more than $2 million and funded by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Counter-Narcotics Program.

These offices will significantly increase the capabilities of DCA personnel to identify, interdict, and defeat narcotics trafficking in the districts of Darvoz and Jirgital. The two compounds will assist the Drug Control Agency in its efforts to counter illegal drug trafficking from Afghanistan through Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The DCA’s new compounds consist of barracks, a dining facility, administrative offices, holding cells, a maintenance facility, dog kennels, and various furniture and equipment.

Ambassador Elliott noted this contribution directly supports the United States’ interest in collaborating with the government of Tajikistan to eradicate illegal drug trade within the region. She thanked the Drug Control Agencies for their willingness to work with the U.S. in promoting mutual interests.

These two new headquarters for the DCA represent just one of many assistance projects the U.S. Embassy implements in Tajikistan on behalf of the American people. USCENTCOM’s Counter-Narcotics program provides assistance to enhance and produce a self-sustaining, viable, and effective counternarcotic force in Tajikistan. This program has provided nearly 130 million U.S. dollars in assistance since 2007. This year, the Counter-Narcotics program committed over 2 million U.S. dollars for the construction of an administration building with support facilities for the DCA’s Special Investigation Units in Dushanbe. Additionally, in early July, USCENTCOM dedicated 5 million U.S. dollars to provide 87 vehicles to the Government of Tajikistan, 25 of which were given to the DCA to assist its efforts to control narcotics trafficking.

Since 1992, the American people have provided more than 1 billion U.S. dollars in assistance to support Tajikistan’s economic growth, democratic institutions, health care, education, and security. The U.S. Embassy will continue to support partnerships between U.S. and Tajik agencies to provide enhanced equipment, training, and to improve infrastructure.