DUSHANBE, February 10, 2016, Asia-Plus – The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe says United States Ambassador to Tajikistan Elisabeth I. Millard yesterday facilitated the donation of a new compound in Dushanbe for the Drug Control Agency (DCA) Special Investigation Units under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, 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 districts surrounding Dushanbe. The compound will assist the DCA’s efforts to counter illegal drug trafficking from Afghanistan and within Tajikistan’s borders. The DCA’s new compounds consist of barracks, a United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) office, a dining facility, full kitchen, guard shack, administrative offices, holding cells, computer room with server, a maintenance facility, and various furniture and equipment.
Ambassador Millard 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.
The brand new compound for the DCA represents 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 counternarcotics force in Tajikistan. In early July, USCENTCOM dedicated $5 million to provide 87 vehicles to the Government of Tajikistan, part of which was given to the DCA to assist its efforts to control narcotics trafficking. In August, the Counter-Narcotics program also facilitated two DCA headquarters one in Darvoz and another in Jirgatol, totaling over $2 million.
In addition to the new compound, CENTCOM Counter-Narcotics is providing the DCA with 5 Toyota Corollas, Ballistic helmets, Tactical Vests, Laser Range Finders, and Night Optics totaling over $175 thousand. This equipment and vehicles will continue to enhance DCA’s capabilities of overcoming any obstacles presented during the counter-drug mission.
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.
