Russia and Tajikistan will strengthen their fight against international drug trafficking and related crimes. This was announced during a joint board meeting of the Interior Ministries of Russia and Tajikistan, which was held in Moscow on November 18, Irina Volk, a spokeswoman for the Russian Interior Ministry, reported on Telegram.
The parties reportedly discussed key issues, including combating international crime, ensuring security, and strengthening law enforcement cooperation.
Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev highlighted the importance of close partnerships and noted that joint efforts have established the necessary legal framework for effective collaboration between the two countries.
Contacts have been established at the leadership and departmental levels, facilitating the exchange of relevant information.
It was noted that 167 Tajik law enforcement officers are currently receiving higher education in Russian Interior Ministry institutions. Kolokoltsev emphasized that this cooperation enhances the skills and practical abilities of law enforcement personnel in combating crime.
As an example of successful collaboration, he mentioned the resolution of a 30-year-old murder case involving a young girl in Tajikistan’s Sughd province.
The Russian side also highlighted a positive trend in reduced crime rates. Kolokoltsev stated that in 2024, there was a decrease in offenses both committed by Tajik citizens and against them in Russia, as confirmed by statistics. The Russian minister stressed the need to maintain this trend.
The meeting underscored the importance of intensifying efforts against international crimes, including drug trafficking.
Kolokoltsev shared statistics on drug-related crimes: in 2024, Russia recorded 145,000 drug offenses, accounting for 10% of all registered criminal acts. Approximately 70% of these cases were solved, and over 25 tons of illegal substances were seized.
The issue of new drug smuggling schemes and the involvement of transnational criminal networks was also discussed.
One example was an operation to dismantle a drug network organized by a Tajik citizen, which remotely managed the distribution of Afghan-origin heroin and hashish. As a result of joint efforts, around 140 kilograms of drugs were seized.
The agenda also included the topic of fugitive searches. Kolokoltsev noted active cooperation between the two ministries in locating criminals evading justice.
Last year, Russian law enforcement authorities reportedly identified over 120 fugitives wanted by Tajik authorities, including individuals accused of murder, robbery, and other serious crimes.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants approved a joint action plan for the coming year.
