FACTS AND FIGURES
The fact sheets provide an overview of the drug and crime situation in Central Asia and were prepared by the Coordination and Analysis Unit of the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia. The data presented in the following pages relates mostly to drug and crime related figures in Central Asia on a country-by-country basis; general economic indicators and background info are also made available to the reader. The information found herein in regularly updated and bases itself on data provided by the Governments of each Central Asian country, as well as International Organizations in the region. Central Asia Drug StatisticsDrug seizures
During the first 6-month period (2006), a total of 14.6 tons of drugs were seized in Central Asia, which is 2.5 tons more than during the same period in 2005. This increase is due to the growth in heroin seizures up to 2.2 tons (+43%), opium seizures up to 2.1 tons (+23%) and cannabis group seizures up to 10 tons (+27% ).
It should be noted that as a result of joint operations "Controlled Delivery" conducted with foreign law enforcement agencies, the DCA of Kyrgyzstan made its first ever seizure of ecstasy pills (100 thousand). Opiates Semi-annual amounts of seizures in 2003 - 2006 display an increase in Afghan drug trafficking. Available data also confirms the highest individual seizures of heroin and opium in Central Asia for 2006.
If the maximum weight of heroin was up to 116 kg in 2005, it reached 420 kg in September 2006. The highest weight of opium seized is 809 kg which is much more than in 2005. It is probable that an overall increase in opiates seizures will be confirmed by the end of this year, as statistics for previous years displays an increase of drug seizures during the second half of the year.
The opiate seizures situation in Central Asia countries has changed during the 1st half of the year. If heroin seizures during the 1st half 2005 increased only in Kazakhstan, during the 1st half of 2006, all the Central Asian countries except Kazakhstan have reported a growth in heroin seizures from 30% up to 173%. Kazakhstan seized 10% less but in absolute quantities the difference between the current and last years is not significant. Growth of seizures in Central Asia and Russian Federation likely corresponds to a growth of Afghan origin drugs trafficking in 2006. Tajikistan's share of heroin seizures has not changed and constitutes approximately 60% of total seizures in Central Asia. The law enforcement agencies of Tajikistan seized 1,216 kg heroin- that is 45% more than in 2005. Seizures in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan increased up to 104% and 173% respectively. Each country's share in opium seizures has changed for the first time. Tajikistan still ranks first in opiates seizures in Central Asia. In the 1st half of 2006 Turkmenistan led all countries and confiscated over 50% of opium due to a large opium seizure of 809 kg in March 2006. Uzbekistan is ranked second and seized 700% more (509 kg) than in the first half year of 2005. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan reported a decrease of more than 50%. Cannabis
Kazakhstan annually leads other countries of the region in marijuana seizures, confiscating more than 20 tons every year.
As of 1 July 2006, law enforcement agencies of the republic have seized about 8 tons of marijuana (or 83% of total amount of seizures in Central Asia). According to the Drug Control Agency of Tajikistan, 964 kg of cannabis-type drugs - that is 81% more than in 2005 - were seized. Law enforcement agencies of Kyrgyzstan have also reported on the growth of cannabis seizures. Drug Related Crimes
According to the law enforcement agencies of Central Asia during the 1st half 2006, 11,787 drug related crimes (DRC) were registered, including 5,378 cases in Kazakhstan and 4,485 cases in Uzbekistan.
All the countries have reported a growth in DRC (except Tajikistan) during the 1st half of the year.
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