Uzbekistan proposes global digital monitoring to dismantle drug trade finances

The event was organized by the Drug and Firearms Control Agency under the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The gathering brought together representatives from over 20 international organizations, including the UN, EU, SCO, CIS, and WHO, alongside law enforcement heads from approximately 50 countries and 500 international experts.

Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration, attended the forum and delivered a message from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In his address, the president emphasized that during these turbulent times, it is vital for the global community to act with greater cohesion. He noted that the continuous emergence of new forms of organized crime and drug production has expanded the scale of transnational threats to humanity. To address these challenges, the president put forward a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at preventing drug-related crimes.

A central proposal involves the creation of a unified digital platform powered by artificial intelligence to facilitate the rapid exchange of information between law enforcement agencies. This platform is designed to identify drug trafficking routes, detect the movement of dangerous goods at an early stage, and provide real-time monitoring of transnational criminal groups.

Furthermore, President Mirziyoyev introduced the concept of a "digital black code" to target the financial foundations of the drug business. Recognizing that the illicit trade is a shadow economy worth billions of dollars, the initiative calls for global standards to identify crypto-exchange users and mandatory data-sharing agreements with offshore jurisdictions. The proposed system would automatically track the movement of illegal funds and immediately categorize financial institutions that accept them as high-risk.

In terms of public health, the president proposed the establishment of a permanent dialogue platform to develop modern standards for treating synthetic drug addiction. He also suggested the creation of the Central Asian Association of Narcologists, with its headquarters to be located in Samarkand, to facilitate the exchange of medical rehabilitation expertise.

To address the root causes of the problem, Uzbekistan proposed a specialized development program for high-risk regions where economic limitations often lead to drug cultivation. This initiative seeks to create stable income sources by investing in official economies, improving infrastructure, and enhancing education and healthcare to reduce dependence on the criminal economy.

During the event, Saida Mirziyoyeva highlighted the honor of conveying the president’s greeting to the diverse assembly of international delegates. The forum also served as a stage to recognize excellence in the field, as heads of several international organizations were awarded the "Devoted to Combating Drugs" commemorative badge for their significant contributions to global cooperation.