several issues that need improvement in the area of analysis and forensics of illicit drugs and
precursors, ranging from policy and regulatory matters, to information on pharmacology and
toxicology, to detection of new products and capabilities of analytical identification in
laboratories. Recommendations were presented regarding further development of the legal
and institutional framework for drugs and chemical control in Europe and of enhancing
international co-operation through various platforms, including exchange of information,
exchange of experts, technical assistance, capacity building and MoUs. TNTD presented on
the OSCE/TNTD activities in these areas.
On 29-30 September 2014, TNTD took part in the UNODC 11th Paris Pact Consultative
Group Meeting in Vienna. Participants reviewed the outcomes of Expert Working Groups
held since the last regular Paris Pact Policy Consultative Group Meeting in March 2013 and
approved recommendations on the following topics: bilateral and multilateral information
sharing and investigation processes, illicit financial flows deriving from the trafficking of
opiates originating in Afghanistan, prevention of the diversion of precursors, and effective
drug demand reduction interventions for children, adolescents and families. The meeting
provided an opportunity for the participants to discuss current and emerging drug trafficking
trends and recent developments on drug routes from Afghanistan and drug seizure
dynamics. The operational priorities for 2015 were agreed upon, including regional
programme activities and upcoming expert working group topics, hosts and funding.
On 8-9 October 2014, TNTD, in close collaboration with UNODC, organized the Regional
Round Table on Co-operation between Law Enforcement and Forensic Officers on Illicit Drug
Investigations in the Balkan Region in Ohrid, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
The aim of the meeting was to further unite law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges
and forensic experts in the effective use of forensic evidence. The round table discussed
reports of UNODC on worldwide drug problems, particularly on new psychoactive
substances.
On 23 October 2014, TNTD participated as an observer in the Sixth Inter-sessional Meeting
of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) at UNODC in Vienna. The meeting’s objective
was to advance the implementation of UN General Assembly Resolution 57/5, entitled
“Special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem to be held in 2016”,
adopted by CND on 21 March 2014. The meeting built upon a consultation process of a
broad range of stakeholders in order to ensure an “adequate, inclusive and effective
preparatory process for the 2016 UNGA Special session”. Participants discussed a concept
paper and agenda for proposed future activities of the CND, as well as potential topics of
prospective thematic workshops.
On 27-28 October 2014, TNTD supported the Swiss Chairmanship in holding the OSCE-wide
“Conference on Engaging Non-law Enforcement Actors in Combating the Threat of Illicit
Drugs and the Diversion of Chemical Precursors” in Vienna. This year’s conference focused
on public-private partnerships and co-operation between government authorities, law
enforcement agencies and the private sector to improve drug control at the national, regional
and international level. The conference explored contributions the pharmaceutical and the
chemical industry could make to the control of chemical precursors and synthetic drugs.
The conference was divided into four sessions, each comprising three to four keynote
speakers:
1. Working with the control and licence authorities as well as with the pharmaceutical
and the chemical industry with a focus on precursors for synthetic drugs and new
psychoactive substances;
2. Opportunities and challenges in co-operating with the transportation sector and
border management authorities in the fight against illicit drug trafficking;
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