Three-tier mechanism for cooperation between anti-drug agencies

The three-tier mechanism for cooperation between anti-drug agencies of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was established in 2009. At the Meeting of Heads of Competent Authorities of the SCO Member States Authorised to Combat Illicit Drug Trafficking (MHCA), two subsidiary bodies were created: the Meeting of the Senior Officials of the SCO Member States’ Counter-Narcotics Agencies (MSO) and four thematic Expert Working Groups (Decision of the MHCA of 19 May 2009). The terms of reference for the working groups were adopted by the MHCA on 2 April 2012.

Meetings of the MSO and the working groups are held on a rotating basis in SCO member states, following the Russian alphabetical order, or at the initiative of a member state. Meetings are chaired by a representative of the host country or the initiating state.

The three-tier mechanism was originally established to implement the Agreement between the SCO Member States on Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Their Precursors of 17 June 2004.

· The MSO holds the status of an expert working group under the SCO MHCA.

· Its responsibilities include: preparing and organising MHCA meetings, including the preparation and coordination of draft decisions; developing recommendations and proposals to improve the effectiveness of cooperation between competent authorities, for consideration by the MHCA; ensuring the implementation of MHCA decisions; facilitating the preparation and implementation of coordinated anti-drug measures affecting the interests of SCO member states; contributing to the development of interstate programmes and plans to combat illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors; organising and holding scientific and practical conferences, seminars, meetings and working meetings; facilitating the exchange of experience and best practices in this area.

· MSO meetings are held as required, but at least once a year. The agenda is based on proposals from SCO member state representatives to the MSO and the MHCA thematic working groups on various areas of anti-drug cooperation.

· This working group focuses on organising joint activities, research and information exchange in the field of anti-drug legal policy. Subgroups may be established in relevant areas to provide expert analysis of issues under consideration.

· Its main areas of activity include: preparation for MSO meetings, including legal review of draft decisions to be codified in relevant legal documents; development of proposals for new international legal instruments and amendments to existing ones applicable within the SCO framework in the field of drug control, including strengthening the international legal basis for cooperation between member states’ competent authorities; analysis and exchange of information; preparation of analytical reports on law enforcement practices in drug control across SCO member states.

· This working group focuses on organising joint activities, research and information exchange in the field of law enforcement and the suppression of drug-related crime.

· Its main areas of activity include: development of proposals to improve operational cooperation between competent authorities in combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors; implementation of MSO decisions relating to operational investigative activities; analysis and exchange of information, and preparation of analytical reports in the field of law enforcement and drug-related crime suppression; facilitation of interaction between operational units of competent authorities and provision of assistance to these units in conducting joint comprehensive preventive operations and investigative activities; exchange of scientific methods and work experience; development of proposals to improve the legal framework for international cooperation in the field of investigative activities.

· This working group focuses on organising joint activities, research and information exchange in the field of precursor control.

· Its main areas of activity include: development of proposals to strengthen cooperation between competent authorities of SCO member states, including assistance in joint activities relating to precursor control, analysis and exchange of information, preparation of analytical reports on precursor control and mutual assistance; consideration of proposals from competent authorities to enhance the effectiveness of precursor control cooperation; development of proposals to improve the regulatory frameworks of SCO member states relating to precursor control.

•This working group focuses on organising joint activities, research and information exchange in the field of drug demand reduction.

•Its main areas of activity include: development and submission to the MSO of proposals on measures to improve interaction and implement best practices among competent authorities; analysis and exchange of information, and preparation of analytical reports on drug demand reduction; preparation of proposals for joint activities in the field of drug demand reduction; facilitation of interaction between competent authorities in this area; review of proposals from competent authorities to improve the effectiveness of drug demand reduction activities; development of proposals to improve the legal framework for international cooperation in drug demand reduction; implementation of relevant MHCA decisions.