The South Caucasus Anti-Drug Programme in Armenia

The region of the South Caucasus has limited infrastructure to support operational co-operation at regional level between the governments of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Moreover, the sensitive nature of drug trafficking and drug abuse does not naturally lend itself to collaboration and regional co-operation. Despite this, national governments agree that regional co-operation is necessary to tackle drug-related issues. So, too, do other governments, whose proximity to the region raises concerns about drug trafficking. The European Union’s European Neighbourhood Policy underscores the need for co-operation in this area.

At the same time, regional co-operation is a notable vehicle for confidence building between authorities in the region. In addition to promoting operational co-operation among the three countries of the South Caucasus, there is a need to promote co-operation between the region as a whole and European Union Member States. In particular, new challenges in trafficking and drug consumption demonstrate the need for police and customs authorities to collectively develop methodologies, share experiences and exchange information.

To work towards this end, SCAD promotes a coherent approach in the three countries of the South Caucasus by using the same methodology, experts, and practices while adjusting individual projects to the needs of each country. In doing so, the programme facilitates the exchange of experience amongst target beneficiaries while advancing drug policy convergence. Moreover, the regional component of the programme builds trust and understanding through joint training and co-operation.

Under the guidance of a regional advisor, SCAD aims to:

• Strengthen the capacity of forensics laboratories and vertical and horizontal co-operation and information sharing.
• Link law enforcement authorities of the three South Caucasus countries with their counterparts in European states.
• Deliver a regional conference on illicit drug trafficking in the South Caucasus.
• Lead a conference to identify methods for and approaches to the reinforcement of anti-drug measures at borders in the region.
• Conduct a regional seminar for forensics experts from the three countries of the South Caucasus to strengthen understanding and co-operation in drug analysis and testing.
• Share data and analyze materials at the regional level and between the SCAD countries and EU counterparts, including through facilitated information exchange and involvement in the European Network of Forensic Science Institutions.
• Participation in a study tour in two EU Member States for law enforcement authorities.
• Participation in a study tour to two EU Member States to familiarise customs officials with European methods and techniques in the field of drug control and to create links between authorities in the South Caucasus and Europe.
• Participation in a study tour to two forensic laboratories in the EU for senior forensics experts including training on new analysis methodologies.