SELEC’s Director General, Dr. Oğuz Serkant Akın, was invited as a speaker at the International Forum on ‘Countering Transnational Drug Threats to Public Health and Security’ organized by the Agency for Control over Narcotics and Firearms under the Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in cooperation with UNODC, in Samarkand, during 20 – 21 April 2026.
The forum brought together heads of competent and coordinating authorities from UN Member States, representatives of international and regional organizations, as well as members of the expert and academic community.
Discussions focused on emerging threats and trends in illicit drug trafficking along the Trans-Caspian corridor. Particular attention was given to the increasing prevalence of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances, evolving drug use patterns, and their implications for public health and security.
During the forum, reference was made to ongoing efforts by participating countries to promote innovative solutions, including the development of a unified digital platform powered by artificial intelligence. This platform aims to enhance cross-border cooperation by connecting law enforcement databases and enabling real-time monitoring of trafficking routes.
SELEC contributed to the forum through the insightful intervention of Director General Akın, who emphasized the importance of strengthening law enforcement cooperation through a coordinated and integrated approach. He highlighted that SELEC distinguishes itself among international and regional law enforcement cooperation frameworks through its unique multi-agency structure, which brings together police officers, customs liaison officers, and prosecutors within a single operational platform. This model supports more effective action against transnational crime by reducing institutional fragmentation and enhancing coordination between operational and investigative functions.
