A high-level Turkmen delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs O. Kakalyyev, participated in the international forum "Combatting Transnational Drug Threats for Public Health and Safety," held in Samarkand on April 21–22. The event served as a critical platform for regional leaders and security experts to address the evolving challenges posed by illicit drug trafficking. Turkmenistan’s engagement underscores its strategic priority of maintaining regional stability through multilateral cooperation.

The forum was organized by the Drug and Firearms Control Agency under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This partnership highlighted the global significance of the discussions, focusing on creating a unified front against organized crime. Participants focused on synchronizing national policies with international legal frameworks to enhance the overall effectiveness of border control and law enforcement operations in Central Asia.

During the sessions, delegates analyzed current global and regional trends in the illegal narcotics trade, with a specific focus on preventive education for the youth. The agenda also included extensive discussions on upgrading healthcare systems related to treatment, rehabilitation, and the successful reintegration of individuals into society. Experts emphasized that sustainable security is deeply linked to the quality of public health initiatives and social support structures.

A forward-looking aspect of the discussions involved the integration of digital innovation and artificial intelligence-based solutions into anti-drug strategies. The Turkmen representatives participated in talks regarding the use of advanced technology to monitor illicit activities and streamline international intelligence sharing. The forum concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening cross-border partnerships and adopting modern technological tools to counter the sophisticated methods used by transnational criminal networks.