On 9 – 13 October 2023, UNODC conducted a national training on new methods and techniques for inspection of individuals, vehicles, cargo and goods crossing the road and railway border crossing points at the Turkmenabad training center of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan.
The training aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the mid-level border officers stationed at the Farap, Imamnazar and Serhetabad border crossing points in inspecting vehicles, trains and goods crossing the state border via the road and railway crossing points.
The training was conducted by international experts from the Turkish International Academy against Drugs and Organized Crime (TADOC) – the structure within the Turkish National Police, established by UNODC with extensive experience in conducting inspections at border crossings and training law enforcement officers.
During the training, the participants learned about advanced cross-border vehicle inspection procedures and control techniques, including inspection of cargo and trains, risk analysis and assessment, and profiling, among others.
The trainers highlighted the participants’ enthusiasm and high interest in acquiring new skills and knowledge on the training topics.
The participants evaluated the training very positively.
Shamyrat Chachayev from the State Border Service of Turkmenistan noted: “During the training, we learned new skills in inspecting different types of vehicles. The international experts showed us in practice the methods they use and shared their experience and skills in detecting contraband. I thank UNODC for organizing this training which I am confident will have a positive impact on our work.”
“The training was very effective and well delivered. It improved my knowledge and skills and gave me good experience in combating drug trafficking and crime. We express our gratitude to the organizers and trainers and hope that similar trainings will be held in the future,” said Batyr Soyunov from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan during the closing ceremony.
The training was conducted within the framework of the UNODC Regional Project on Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation by Strengthening the Capacity of Border Liaison Offices in Central Asia of Sub-programme 1 Preventing and Countering Transnational Organized Crime of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia 2022 -2025.
The implementation of the project in Turkmenistan is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). ///UNODC Central Asia, 1 November 2023