OREANDA-NEWS. December 27, 2010. The large-scale action of burning drug substances took place in the picturesque locality of Kasamly Julge near Ashgabat demonstrated Turkmenistan’s firm position on global efforts to counter the threats and challenges of the modern world. Representatives of the law enforcement agencies of Turkmenistan including the Border Guard Service and the Customs Service, heads of the leading international organizations, the agencies of the Un and OSCE, diplomatic representative offices and missions accredited in Turkmenistan, journalists took part in the action of burning drug substances seized by the Turkmen law enforcement agencies.

The action organized by the Government, the State Coordination Commission on Drugs under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and the State Drugs Control Service vividly illustration the determination of the Turkmen state and society to combat such a global evil as illicit drug trafficking and drug smuggling.

Drug substances packed in cellophane parcels and bags of various size and marked packets weighting 702 kg in total were demonstrated to the participants of the anti-drug action, who could throw a package into the special furnace. Turkmen law enforcement officers and authorized experts monitored the process.

Underlining the importance of this action, the participants noted that it testified to Turkmenistan’s commitment to strengthen peace, stability and sustainable development and became a significant contribution to common efforts to create a climate of security. It was noted that the world community welcomed Turkmenistan’s commitment to combat illicit drug trafficking and foster constructive international cooperation in this sphere. It was also noted that the well coordinated actions of the Turkmen law enforcement agencies in close collaboration with local authorities, health establishments and public and religious organisations produced positive results. In particular, the drug-related crime rate and a number of drug addicts had decreased significantly in the country.

Turkmenistan as one of the countries that contribute actively to the uncompromised struggle against drug trafficking and drug addition – the global challenges humanity faces today sets a good example to many states. Prevention once it is supported by the actions to raise awareness of local people of these issues is one of the most effective ways to protect the society from drug addiction.

Through the policy of reforms pursued by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in the epoch of new Revival the regional and national projects and programmes of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the European Union, joint projects in collaboration with the governments of several countries are being implemented in Turkmenistan to combat illicit drug trafficking and enhance border control capacity.

The participants of the anti-drug action expressed deep gratitude to President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for providing an opportunity to join the noble initiative, which was of considerable importance for responding to this global threat as well as ensuring security in the region and all over the world.