(Unofficial translation)
On 21 May 2026, Bishkek served as the venue for holding the Meeting of Senior Officials of Anti-Narcotics Agencies of SCO Member States.
Held under Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship, the meeting brought together delegations representing the competent agencies of the SCO member states, as well as representatives of the SCO Secretariat.
The participants focused on assessing the current situation with drug trafficking in SCO member states, discussing the latest trends regarding threats related to drug trafficking, as well as efforts to coordinate practical cooperation between the competent agencies in the future.
On a special note, the participants discussed matters dealing with the circulation of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances, as well as their precursors and chemical agents and equipment used in illicit drug production. The participants stressed the need to coordinate approaches for the early detection, exchanging information and working together to respond to these threats.
During the proceedings, it was emphasised that the latest ICT solutions, along with online platforms, artificial intelligence, digital financial instruments and cryptocurrencies still pose a serious threat to SCO member states in the context of drug trafficking, especially regarding synthetic drugs, as well as legalising (laundering) proceeds from drug trafficking.
Following the debate, the participants approved a draft programme for SCO member states on coordinating their efforts to combat the spread of synthetic narcotics and their precursors until 2030, as well as a draft cooperation programme for SCO member states on fighting substance dependence until 2030. These documents will be referred to the SCO Heads of State Council, which is scheduled to meet on 31 August – 1 September 2026 in Bishkek.
The participants pointed out that these documents are expected to facilitate information exchanges, while improving early response mechanisms for dealing with drug trafficking treats, and also promoting preventive action and enhancing practical cooperation between the competent agencies of the SCO member countries.
Threats related to drug trafficking have been transcending borders and becoming increasingly sophisticated, which calls for an integral approach blending law enforcement and preventive cooperation mechanisms, including exchanging and analysing information, personnel training and reinforcing international cooperation, the participants noted.
The meeting’s agenda also provided for approving the Plan for Holding the Web International Anti-Narcotics Operation within the SCO framework with the view to reinforcing practical cooperation between the competent agencies of SCO member states in countering transnational drug crime.
In addition to this, the participants discussed plans for holding the International Conference of SCO Member States as part of the World Without Narcotics prevention campaign in the second half of 2026 in Kyrgyzstan. This campaign aims to promote joint approaches to preventing drug abuse and reducing demand for drugs.
Following the meeting, the participants signed the minutes summing up the outcomes of these debates.
The participants stressed the need to further step up efforts to promote closer coordination and practical cooperation between the competent agencies of SCO member states when countering present-day threats related to drug trafficking.