Three experts from the Turkish International Academy against Drugs and Organized Crime (TADOC) and the Turkish National Police led the course, which was attended by over 40 representatives of Turkmenistan’s Customs Service, Border Service, Ministry of National Security and the State Service for Combating Drugs. The training course was held in Ashgabad, at the Serhetabat border crossing point on the Afghan border and the Artyk border crossing point on the Iranian border.

"The government of Turkmenistan has named the fight against drug trafficking as one of its top priorities, and the OSCE is pleased to be able to contribute to the professional development of law-enforcement officials directly involved in countering this serious threat on a daily basis," said Ambassador Ibrahim Djikic, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabad.

Mikail Ucak, TADOC Chief Inspector, added: "The exchange of information and experience between trainers and participants was a significant step forward in our co-operation to fight drug trafficking. Such training events, conducted on a regular basis, greatly contribute towards stopping illegal drugs on the borders."

The training course was carried out as part of the OSCE’s co-operation programme with the government of Turkmenistan on security, combating organized crime and drug