UNODC/SUBCOM/53/6
26 November 2018
Original: English*
Report of the Subcommission on Illicit Drug Traffic and Related Matters in the Near and Middle East on its fifty-third session, held in Baku from 19 to 23 November 2018*
I. Matters calling for action by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs or brought to its attention
A. Recommendations adopted by the Subcommission on Illicit Drug Traffic and Related Matters in the Near and Middle East at its fifty-third session
1. At its fifty-third session, the Subcommission on Illicit Drug Traffic and Related Matters in the Near and Middle East adopted the recommendations set forth below, which were drawn up by its working groups. For the observations and conclusions of the working groups that led to the recommendations, see chapter VI below.
1. Countering money-laundering, illicit financial flows and the use of the darknet and cryptocurrencies in relation to the drug trade
2. The following recommendations were made with regard to countering money-laundering, illicit financial flows and the use of the darknet and cryptocurrencies in relation to the drug trade: (a) Governments are encouraged to introduce and/or duly enforce regulations requiring parallel financial investigations at the national and international levels linked to serious drug- and precursor-related cases based on their national legislation; (b) Governments should consider developing, or acquiring, and implementing basic training programmes for law enforcement agencies on the topics of money-laundering and the use of cryptocurrencies and the darknet for the illicit drug trade; (c) Governments are encouraged to establish or strengthen within the appropriate agency a core unit tasked with combating the new and emerging threat of the darknet and cryptocurrencies; (d) Governments should ensure cooperation at both the national and international levels through the exchange of information for the investigation of money-laundering and illicit financial flows related to drug and precursor trafficking.
______* Available only in Arabic, English and Russian, which are the working languages of the subsidiary body.
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2. Countering trafficking in precursors, including non-scheduled chemicals, and the threat posed by synthetic drug trends, including new psychoactive substances, and responses
3. The following recommendations were made with regard to countering trafficking in precursors, including non-scheduled chemicals, and the threat posed by synthetic drug trends, including new psychoactive substances, and responses: (a) Governments should consider establishing national early warning systems involving law enforcement, health agencies and legislative bodies to monitor the appearance of emerging drugs used in the country, in order to reduce the information gaps and assist in the legislative process, while taking advantage of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) early warning advisory on new psychoactive substances and ensuring the exchange of relevant information at the national and regional levels; (b) Governments are encouraged to increase the capacity of their front-line officers and forensic laboratories in order to better identify new psychoactive substances while taking advantage of tools made available by UNODC; (c) Governments are encouraged to communicate incidents involving new psychoactive substances through the Project Ion Incident Communication System (IONICS) and to provide each other with the support necessary to facilitate their investigations; (d) Governments should take measures to ensure that shipments in international legitimate trade that are refused or stopped receive the same attention and are investigated in the same manner as shipments that are seized, with a view to obtaining actionable intelligence to prevent future diversion elsewhere; (e) Governments are encouraged to strengthen their capacities and timely information exchange to counter the flow of precursor chemicals that are suspected of diversion, through the use of mechanisms of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), existing regional platforms, including the Joint Planning Cell and the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC), and bilateral and multilateral cooperation; (f) The international community is requested to assist transit countries neighbouring Afghanistan to increase their capacities, based on the principle of common and shared responsibility.
3. Connecting regional cooperation centres for the exchange of information
4. The following recommendations were made with regard to connecting regional cooperation centres for the exchange of information: (a) Governments are encouraged to make use of international and regional platforms, such as CARICC, the Criminal Intelligence Centre to Combat Drugs of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Joint Planning Cell, for the timely exchange of criminal intelligence on the diversion of precursor chemicals and the coordination of multilateral operations targeting drug trafficking and related illicit financial flows; (b) Governments concerned should encourage centres, such as CARICC, the Criminal Intelligence Centre to Combat Drugs of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Joint Planning Cell, to develop and utilize informal operating procedures on the exchange of information and to implement operational requests; (c) Governments should consider making use of the network of liaison officers and establish corresponding national focal points for the exchange of strategic information and real-time intelligence; (d) UNODC is requested to provide further technical assistance to the existing regional platforms in order to enhance their effectiveness.
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4. Developing and implementing comprehensive and sustainable alternative development programmes
5. The following recommendations were made with regard to developing and implementing comprehensive and sustainable alternative development programmes: (a) Governments should develop and implement long-term alternative development programmes for communities in rural areas affected by illicit cultivation of drug crops, with the aim of alleviating poverty and reducing the illicit cultivation of such crops; (b) Governments should strengthen subregional, regional and international cooperation to implement comprehensive, sustainable and action-oriented alternative development programmes, based on the principle of common and shared responsibility and supported by enhanced and better coordinated financial and technical assistance; (c) Governments should increase the exchange of information, best practices and lessons learned in the field of alternative development; (d) Long-term and flexible funding should be provided for alternative development programmes in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, including by donors, relevant international financial institutions and United Nations entities.
II. Current situation with respect to regional and subregional cooperation
6. At its 1st meeting, on 19 November 2018, the Subcommission considered item 3 of its agenda, entitled “Current situation with respect to regional and subregional cooperation”. For its consideration of the item, the Subcommission had before it two reports of the Secretariat, entitled “World situation with regard to drug trafficking” (E/CN.7/2018/5) and “Current situation with respect to regional and subregional cooperation” (UNODC/SUBCOM/53/3). In addition, national country reports had been submitted by Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UNODC/SUBCOM/53/CRP.1–10). 7. A representative of UNODC made a presentation on regional and global drug production and trafficking trends. Statements were made by the representatives of Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan. A representative of CARICC also made a statement. 8. Speakers reported on the main challenges posed by narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to their countries and provided updates on their efforts to counter them at the national, regional and international levels. 9. Several speakers noted the recent increase in opium production in Afghanistan, which posed a threat to the economies of countries in the region and to peace and security in the region and beyond. That increased production also resulted in increased trafficking in heroin along the Balkan, southern and northern routes. One speaker reported that an increase in supply along the Caucasus segment of the Balkan route had been observed. Some countries were disproportionately affected by drug trafficking because of their geographic location as transit countries. 10. The increase in the illicit production of opium in Afghanistan required a comprehensive approach, including the increased support of the international community to alternative development programmes. 11. The importance of cooperation among the countries concerned and of efforts to combat trafficking in opioids and precursor chemicals was stressed. In that regard, there was a need for the provision of technical assistance, training and border control equipment to the affected countries by the international community, in particular by
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destination countries. Transit States should be provided with financial and technical assistance based on the principle of common and shared responsibility. 12. Among other challenges, speakers stressed the abuse of and trafficking in “captagon”, tramadol, new psychoactive substances (e.g., “spice”) and a methamphetamine known in the region as “crystal”. Some speakers noted the linkages between drug trafficking in the region and other forms of crime, including the financing of terrorism. 13. Attention was drawn to the importance of regional initiatives and mechanisms, such as the Criminal Intelligence Centre to Combat Drugs of the Gulf Cooperation Council; the Economic Cooperation Organization; the Paris Pact initiative; CARICC; the Joint Planning Cell under the Triangular Initiative between Afghanistan, Iran (Islamic Republic of) and Pakistan; and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. In the view of some speakers, cooperation among existing regional mechanisms needed to be strengthened. Reference was also made to the role played by UNODC and INCB in promoting cooperation among Member States. 14. Several speakers provided data on drug seizures and mentioned measures to strengthen international cooperation, including the conclusion of bilateral and multilateral agreements, the exchange of information and the sharing of intelligence through drug liaison officers, and the disruption of drug-related, illicit financial flows. 15. Other measures adopted included the passing of new or amendment of existing legislation, the establishment of drug control authorities, the implementation of controlled delivery operations, the carrying out of joint investigations and the prevention of the diversion of precursors. Several memorandums of understanding had been signed between countries in the region. With regard to controlled delivery, the importance of developing standardized procedures while respecting national legislation was highlighted, in order to overcome legislative and other obstacles that could impede the swift implementation of that type of operation. 16. Some delegations made reference to measures taken for the prevention and treatment of drug addiction, such as the construction of treatment facilities and the adoption of new treatment and rehabilitation standards based on experience and lessons learned. Some speakers called attention to public information campaigns, designed to raise awareness among young people of the danger posed by drugs. One speaker recommended that countries should share knowledge and best practices on demand reduction.
III. Implementation of the recommendations adopted by the Subcommission at its fifty-first session
17. At its 2nd meeting, on 19 November 2018, the Subcommission considered item 4 of its agenda, entitled “Implementation of the recommendations adopted by the Subcommission at its fifty-first session”. 18. For its consideration of the item, the Subcommission had before it a note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the recommendations adopted by the Subcommission at its fifty-first session (UNODC/SUBCOM/53/4), which had been prepared on the basis of information provided by Governments in response to a questionnaire sent to all States participating in the Subcommission. As at 6 September 2018, replies had been received from the Governments of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Since that date, completed questionnaires had been submitted by Azerbaijan, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan and Qatar. 19. The Secretary of the Subcommission introduced the agenda item and highlighted the issues related to the implementation of recommendations from the report.
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IV. Follow-up to the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem, and to the special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem held in 2016, also taking into consideration the ministerial segment to be held during the sixty-second session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
20. At its 7th meeting, on 22 November 2018, the Subcommission discussed agenda item 6, entitled “Follow-up to the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem, and to the special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem held in 2016, also taking into consideration the ministerial segment to be held during the sixty-second session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs”. For its consideration of the item, the Subcommission had before it the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem and the outcome document of the thirtieth special session of the General Assembly, entitled “Our joint commitment to effectively addressing and countering the world drug problem”. 21. The Secretary of the Subcommission introduced the agenda item. Statements were made by the representatives of Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. 22. Speakers reiterated the commitment of their Governments to implement the Political Declaration and Plan of Action, as well as the operational recommendations contained in the outcome document of the thirtieth special session of the General Assembly, and reported on measures taken in that respect. They also indicated the need to develop international cooperation based on the principle of common and shared responsibility to effectively fight drugs and reiterated their commitment to comply with the three international drug control conventions as the cornerstone of the international drug control system. 23. One speaker expressed the view that the Political Declaration and Plan of Action and the outcome document of the thirtieth special session of the General Assembly were complementary and mutually reinforcing. In preparing for the ministerial segment of the sixty-second session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, to be held in 2019, there was a need to enhance efforts to achieve the goals and targets set in the Political Declaration and Plan of Action. It was hoped that the ministerial segment would set a clear direction for enhanced international efforts to counter the world drug problem after 2019, including by preserving the goals and targets set in the Political Declaration and Plan of Action. 24. Several speakers reported that national drug control plans and strategies had been adopted and implemented in their countries by the various agencies and ministries concerned, with a view to achieving a balanced approach to drug demand and supply reduction. As a result, national legislative frameworks had been strengthened. It was noted that treaties pertaining to mutual legal assistance and extradition had been signed among countries in the region. Other forms of international cooperation had also been developed, including with UNODC, INCB and the World Health Organization. Other actions reported by Governments in the field of drug supply reduction included joint investigations among countries in the region, participation in the UNODC/World Customs Organization Container Control Programme and the use of the Pre-Export Notification Online (PEN Online) system. 25. One speaker emphasized that his country was being used by drug traffickers as a transit point between Asia and Europe, mainly for opiates of Afghan origin. Efforts were being made to identify new routes for and forms of drug trafficking, to train law enforcement officers and to strengthen border control using state-of-the-art equipment
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and technology. Those efforts had resulted in increased seizures of drugs en route to Europe and destinations in East Asia. 26. With regard to demand reduction, speakers reported on cooperation efforts with civil society organizations, the scientific community and volunteers; the establishment of treatment and rehabilitation centres; the use of methadone in opioid substitution therapies; and measures related to the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Other measures concerned awareness-raising campaigns with community and civil society participation, and targeted drug demand reduction interventions for youth, women, families and street children, including in educational settings and the workplace. Counselling for addicts and the establishment of hotlines were also mentioned. One country reported conducting a national drug abuse survey with the assistance of UNODC. 27. One speaker reported on efforts to make drugs available for legitimate medical purposes through the adoption of regulations in that regard. Another speaker reported on the amendment of national legislation in an effort to comply with the recommendations contained in the outcome document of the thirtieth special session of the General Assembly on alternatives to punishment for drug users.
V. Implementation of Commission on Narcotic Drugs decision 60/1, on strengthening the subsidiary bodies of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
28. At its 7th meeting, on 22 November 2018, the Subcommission considered agenda item 7, entitled “Implementation of Commission on Narcotic Drugs decision 60/1, on strengthening the subsidiary bodies of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs”. 29. The Secretary of the Subcommission made an introductory statement recalling that, in its decision 60/1, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs had decided, in response to the invitation contained in paragraph 97 of General Assembly resolution 71/211, and mindful of the request contained in the operational recommendation contained in paragraph 6 (c) of the outcome document of the thirtieth special session of the General Assembly, to examine how its subsidiary bodies could better contribute to the implementation of the outcome document; to inform its subsidiary bodies of th e invitation contained in paragraph 97 of General Assembly resolution 71/211; and to invite the subsidiary bodies to consider that invitation at their upcoming meetings and report back to the Commission in due course.
VI. Consideration of topics by working groups
30. At its 3rd to 6th meetings, on 20 and 21 November 2018, the Subcommission established working groups to examine the four topics under item 5 of its agenda, entitled “Consideration of topics by working groups”. The observations made by the working groups and the conclusions reached after their consideration of the topics are presented below. For the recommendations made by the working groups and adopted by the Subcommission, see chapter I above.
A. Countering money-laundering, illicit financial flows and the use of the darknet and cryptocurrencies in relation to the drug trade
31. The working group on countering money-laundering, illicit financial flows and the use of the darknet and cryptocurrencies in relation to the drug trade met during
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the 3rd meeting, held on 20 November 2018. In its consideration of the topic under review, the working group made the following observations: (a) Drug-related money-laundering, including the laundering of proceeds using cryptocurrencies and the trading in drugs on the darknet, are serious challenges faced by law enforcement agencies; (b) Cases of successful multilateral investigations of drug-related financial flows are rare and several countries are facing problems in the areas of relevant expertise and lack of specialized training; (c) Many countries are in need of training tools and materials for basic and in-depth training on the investigation of money-laundering and, in particular, on the use of cryptocurrencies. 32. The working group drew the following conclusions: (a) There is a need for the development of informal standards for requesting information related to financial flows that are linked to drug trafficking; (b) The investigation of financial flows related to the illicit drug trade is one of the most important elements of effective drug control measures; (c) There is a need to ensure the sharing of best practices, with regard to investigating illicit financial flows and disrupting illicit drug businesses; (d) Without a strong response from Member States, cryptocurrencies could become the preferred money-laundering tool, given that they can function as a cheap, fast and anonymous tool for laundering illicit proceeds, outside any national controls; (e) There is a need to build a critical mass of basic knowledge on cryptocurrencies and the darknet.
B. Countering trafficking in precursors, including non-scheduled chemicals, and the threat posed by synthetic drug trends, including new psychoactive substances, and responses
33. The working group on countering trafficking in precursors, including non-scheduled chemicals, and the threat posed by synthetic drug trends, including new psychoactive substances, and responses, met during the 4th and 5th meetings, held on 20 and 21 November 2018. In its consideration of the topic under review, the working group made the following observations: (a) The volume of amphetamine and tramadol being trafficked to and within the region and the appearance of methamphetamine in some countries in the region are major concerns for law enforcement authorities; (b) While available information suggests that manufacturing of methamphetamine is taking place, the use of the drug is not widely reported in the region; (c) There is continued concern about trafficking in large amounts of acetic anhydride from countries in Europe and other regions to Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Trafficking in the precursors of amphetamine-type stimulants in the Near and Middle East is also of concern; (d) Countries acknowledge emerging threats posed by new psychoactive substances as well as challenges in controlling those drugs; (e) The open web can provide valuable information on licit trade patterns in precursor chemicals as well as actionable intelligence on the attempts of traffickers to secure supplies of precursors.
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34. The working group drew the following conclusions: (a) The combination of the increased popularity of methamphetamine around the world, the geographic proximity to major methamphetamine markets in East and South-East Asia and the potential use of established trafficking routes in the region is an emerging threat; (b) The Precursors Incident Communication System (PICS) of INCB continues to provide valuable information on the latest trends in diversion and trafficking in precursors and non-scheduled chemicals, as well as the modi operandi used and the companies involved in such trafficking. Therefore it is important that Governments communicate through PICS, in a timely manner, reporting all incidents involving precursors and non-scheduled chemicals, in order to facilitate backtracking investigations; (c) Some shipments of precursor chemicals that are refused as unauthorized through PEN Online may constitute diversion attempts. It is important that such shipments, and the legitimate needs for the substance of the companies involved, are duly verified by both the regulatory and law enforcement agencies.
C. Connecting regional cooperation centres for the exchange of information
35. The working group on connecting regional cooperation centres for the exchange of information met during the 6th meeting, held on 21 November 2018. In its consideration of the topic under review, the working group made the following observations: (a) There are regional and international cooperation platforms designed to facilitate the exchange of criminal intelligence and information and to coordinate multilateral operations. The capacities of said platforms are not always utilized to their full potential; (b) Extensive sharing of information, including criminal intelligence, is required to effectively tackle drug trafficking as one of the forms of transnational organized crime; (c) The meeting noted with appreciation the expressed interest of Turkey and Afghanistan to become member States of CARICC. 36. The working group drew the following conclusions: (a) There is a need for the development of informal mechanisms between regional and international cooperation platforms to facilitate the exchange of information and requests for operational cooperation; (b) Liaison officers play a critical role in facilitating the exchange of criminal intelligence and cooperation, particularly at the bilateral level; (c) There is a need to build stronger cooperation links between existing multilateral platforms to effectively target drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organized crime.
D. Developing and implementing comprehensive and sustainable alternative development programmes
37. The working group on developing and implementing comprehensive and sustainable alternative development programmes met during the 5th meeting, held on 21 November 2018. In its consideration of the topic under review, the working group made the following observations: (a) A comprehensive and balanced package of interventions to strengthen sustainable crop control strategies may include alternative development,
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strengthening the rule of law, inclusive institutions and public services, and institutional frameworks aimed at enhancing the welfare of the affected and vulnerable population through the provision of licit alternatives; (b) The presence of a number of factors, including insecurity, instability, corruption and transnational organized crime, in countries of production, as well as the existence of a large consumption market in developed countries, can make alternative development efforts more challenging; (c) Alternative development programmes should take into account the targets of the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towa rds an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem, the recommendations contained in the outcome document of the thirtieth special session of the General Assembly, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development and the broader framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; (d) The role of UNODC is key in supporting Member States in the development, implementation and evaluation of alternative development programmes and initiatives. 38. The working group drew the following conclusions: (a) The communities affected by or at risk of illicit cultivation of drug crops and other illicit drug-related activities should be integrated into the economic and social development of the country; (b) Technical assistance and capacity-building should be provided to Member States in the field of alternative development; (c) Strengthening subregional, regional and international cooperation to support comprehensive and sustainable alternative development programmes is an essential part of successful crop control strategies; (d) In order to eliminate or significantly reduce the illicit cultivation of crops and the production of drugs in Afghanistan and its neighbouring countries, the international community should support alternative livelihood and development projects based on the principle of common and shared responsibility.
VII. Organization of the fifty-fourth session of the Subcommission
39. At its 7th meeting, on 22 November 2018, the Subcommission considered agenda item 8, entitled “Organization of the fifty-fourth session of the Subcommission”. 40. For its consideration of item 8, the Subcommission had before it a draft provisional agenda for its fifty-fourth session (UNODC/SUBCOM/53/5, annex). The Secretary made an introductory statement outlining action to be taken for the organization of that session. 41. The Subcommission was informed that the fifty-fourth session was scheduled to be held in September 2019. The Chair invited delegations of States interested in hosting the fifty-fourth session to contact the Secretariat in order to determine the venue as early as possible and thus facilitate preparations. 42. The Subcommission held a discussion on possible topics to be considered by the working groups at its fifty-fourth session, under item 5 of the draft provisional agenda. A number of topics were proposed, including: fundamental importance of exchange of actionable intelligence, problems faced in that regard, and ways to facilitate such an exchange; ways of improving the utilization of the services of regional cooperation platforms — such as the Joint Planning Cell, the Criminal Intelligence Centre to Combat Drugs of the Gulf Cooperation Council and CARICC
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— as well as facilitating the use of these platforms by member States and optimizing the promotion of such services; the roles and responsibilities of various law enforcement agencies, including the police, customs and border protections, in countering drug trafficking, as well as ways of improving cooperation between those agencies at the national level, and best practices in that regard; trafficking in synthetic cannabinoids and measures to counter such trafficking; the record levels of opiate production in Afghanistan and related challenges, including the shared responsibility for countering drug production and trafficking, and improving cross-border cooperation through initiatives including the Triangular Initiative and border liaison offices. 43. The Subcommission took note of the proposals and requested the Secretariat to finalize the issues to be discussed by working groups prior to the fifty-fourth session. The Subcommission approved the following draft provisional agenda for its fifty-fourth session: 1. Election of officers. 2. Adoption of the agenda. 3. Current situation with respect to regional and subregional cooperation. 4. Implementation of the recommendations adopted by the Subcommission at its fifty-second session. 5. Consideration of topics by working groups: [to be determined]. 6. Follow-up to the ministerial segment of the sixty-second session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. 7. Organization of the fifty-fifth session of the Subcommission. 8. Other business. 9. Adoption of the report of the Subcommission on its fifty-fourth session.
VIII. Other business
44. At the same meeting, the Subcommission considered agenda item 9, entitled “Other business”. Under the item, the representative of Azerbaijan referred to the debate at the sessions of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on the application of the death penalty for drug-related crimes, which was being applied by a number of countries but was considered a human rights violation by others. In that connection, the representative of Azerbaijan wondered whether the Subcommission should also tackle that issue at future sessions. In the view of the representative of Saudi Arabia, States had the right to formulate their national legislation and policies, including criminal justice policies, in the light of their national circumstances and in full respect of their national sovereignty. He was also of the opinion that the matter of the death penalty for drug-related crimes was not within the purview of the Subcommission and should be debated in other forums. The representative of Saudi Arabia also expressed concern about the adoption by some countries of legislation aimed at legalizing the use of cannabis for recreational purposes. In his opinion, those measures were in violation of the international drug control conventions, and he called for complian ce with those conventions by Member States.
IX. Adoption of the report
45. At its 9th meeting, on 23 November 2018, the Subcommission adopted the report on its fifty-third session (UNODC/SUBCOM/53/L.1 and Add.1–9). The reports of the working groups and the recommendations contained therein, as orally revised, were also adopted.
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X. Organization of the fifty-third session of the Subcommission
A. Opening and duration of the session
46. The fifty-third session of the Subcommission on Illicit Drug Traffic and Related Matters in the Near and Middle East was held in Baku from 19 to 23 November 2018. The inaugural ceremony was held on 19 November 2018 and was addressed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Commission for Combating Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, Ali Hasanov; the Chairman of the State Customs Committee, Safar Mehdiyev; and the Representative of the Executive Director of UNODC, and Representative of the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia, Ashita Mittal.
B. Attendance
47. The following States members of the Subcommission were represented: Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan. 48. France and Italy were represented by observers. 49. The Council of Arab Ministers of the Interior, CARICC, the Criminal Intelligence Centre to Combat Drugs of the Gulf Cooperation Council and INCB were also represented. 50. UNODC served as the secretariat of the Meeting.
C. Election of officers
51. At its 1st meeting, on 19 November, the Subcommission elected the following officers by acclamation: Chair: Asgar Abdullayev (Azerbaijan) First Vice-Chair: Mohammad Narimani (Islamic Republic of Iran) Second Vice-Chair: Abdul Rahman Al Ouais (United Arab Emirates) Rapporteur: Mohammad Obeidat (Jordan) 52. At its 5th meeting, on 21 November, the Subcommission elected the representative of Pakistan, Muhammad Saqib Ansari, as Rapporteur, as a replacement for and at the request of the representative of Jordan, who could not perform that function owing to an inability to attend the full session.
D. Adoption of the agenda
53. At its 1st meeting, the Subcommission adopted the following agenda: 1. Election of officers. 2. Adoption of the agenda. 3. Current situation with respect to regional and subregional cooperation. 4. Implementation of the recommendations adopted by the Subcommission at its fifty-first session. 5. Consideration of topics by working groups: (a) Countering money-laundering, illicit financial flows and the use of the darknet and cryptocurrencies in relation to the drug trade;
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(b) Countering trafficking in precursors, including non-scheduled chemicals, and the threat posed by synthetic drug trends, including new psychoactive substances, and responses; (c) Connecting regional cooperation centres for the exchange of information; (d) Developing and implementing comprehensive and sustainable alternative development programmes. 6. Follow-up to the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem, and to the special session of the General Asse mbly on the world drug problem held in 2016, also taking into consideration the ministerial segment to be held during the sixty-second session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. 7. Implementation of Commission on Narcotic Drugs decision 60/1, on strengthening the subsidiary bodies of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. 8. Organization of the fifty-fourth session of the Subcommission. 9. Other business. 10. Adoption of the report of the Subcommission on its fifty-third session.
E. Documentation
54. The documents before the Subcommission at its fifty-third session are listed in the annex to the present document.
F. Closure of the session
55. The Chair of the Subcommission at its fifty-third session made a closing statement.
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Annex
List of documents before the Subcommission on Illicit Drug Traffic and Related Matters in the Near and Middle East at its fifty-third session
Agenda Document item Title or description
UNODC/SUBCOM/53/1 2 Annotated provisional agenda UNODC/SUBCOM/53/2 3 Note by the Secretariat transmitting the report on the world situation with regard to drug trafficking E/CN.7/2018/5 3 Report of the Secretariat on the world situation with regard to drug trafficking UNODC/SUBCOM/53/3 3 Report of the Secretariat on the current situation with respect to regional and subregional cooperation UNODC/SUBCOM/53/4 4 Note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the recommendations adopted by the Subcommission at its fifty-first session UNODC/SUBCOM/53/5 8 Note by the Secretariat on the organization of the fifty-fourth session of the Subcommission on Illicit Drug Traffic and Related Matters in the Near and Middle East UNODC/SUBCOM/53/L.1 and 10 Draft report Add.1–9 UNODC/SUBCOM/53/CRP.1–10 3 Country reports
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