The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) press center reported on October 28 that more than 590 kilograms of narcotics and psychotropic substances were seized in a subregional anti-drug operation, dubbed Kanal-Avangard (Channel-Vanguard), conducted in CSTO member states between October 21-25.
The operation reportedly confiscated over 111 kg of mephedrone, 10 kg of α-PVP, 31 kg of marijuana, 511 kg of hashish, 4 kg of heroin, and over 21 kg of other potent substances.
An initial review of the operation’s results, which was held in Dushanbe on October 25, was attended by Zafar Samad, head of Tajikistan Drug Control Agency (DCA), along with representatives from counternarcotic agencies of other CSTO countries.
The joint operation reportedly identified 683 drug-related crimes, resulting in the detention of 569 people, including 16 who were wanted by authorities. Seven drug labs were dismantled, and 672 websites linked to drug distribution were discovered.
Financial intelligence units reportedly found over 16,000 suspicious financial transactions involving more than 200 individuals likely connected to the illegal drug trade. The total amount associated with these transactions exceeded 6 billion rubles, much of it involving money transfers, cash deposits, withdrawals, "drop" bank cards, and cryptocurrency transactions.
Financial intelligence services in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan reportedly froze transactions on 31 accounts connected to these suspects, amounting to approximately 2 million rubles.
Several transnational organized crime groups were exposed through these collaborative efforts.
Observers from Iran and China reportedly informed the CSTO’s international coordination headquarters of large drug seizures in their territories during this operation.
