PROJECT SUMMARY

Total budget: 1.65 mln Euro for the region
UNDP Sector: Drug Abuse Control – Social Development
Duration: 15 months (3^rd phase of the programme)

Background:

The problem of drug addiction and drug trafficking acquire increasing importance for socio-economic and political stability of the Southern Caucasus. Despite the efforts of the Governments of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, there is a growing volume of drugs passing through the region towards Europe, especially through Georgia and Azerbaijan. During SCAD I and II assessment of the existing situation at land and sea borders, drug intelligence and drug information capacity was performed; legal environment was reviewed and Action Plans were formulated.

Objective:

The development objective of SCAD III is to improve the interdiction capacities in each of the three countries, to reduce drug abuse and to foster regional cooperation. The program will aim at harmonising legislative frameworks, drug law enforcement tactics and operational techniques. The program will reinforce national drug control measures by creating a common basis for the development of cross-border operation, optimising procedures for internationally controlled deliveries, collection and sharing of drug intelligence. Regional cooperation will be fostered especially by joint training, the adoption of common technical standards and the reinforcement/establishment of human network. The programme will strengthen national capacities to collect reliable information of drug use and promote inclusion of healthy lifestyle courses in curriculum of secondary schools

Activities:

1. To reinforce and harmonise national legislative and regulatory framework

2. To strengthen interdiction capacities in Sea Port of Poti and Baku

3. To strengthen land border interdiction capacities

4. To develop compatible system for intelligence gathering and analysis

Expected outputs:

1. Adoption of new legislative framework in line with EU and international standards and harmonised at the regional level;

2. Increased drug seizures at the port of Poti through its reinforcement with training and equipment;

3. Increased drug seizures at land border crossings through its reinforcement with training and equipment;

4. Creation and installation of regionally compatible drug intelligence software, increased cooperation and exchange of information between law enforcement bodies of the three countries