GCC, UK sign MoU to combat narcotics

The Qatar-based GCC Criminal Information Center to Combat Drugs signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UK National Crime Agency (NCA), as part of its efforts to build bridges of cooperation with regional and international organisations. The MoU is aimed at boosting cooperation in the field of combating illicit traffic in narcotics, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors, in addition to other related serious and organized crimes, through the exchange of information and experiences in the field of combating these hazardous materials, and the preparation of relevant studies and research. The MoU was signed by Director of the GCC Criminal Information Center to Combat Drugs Brig. Gen. Saqer Rashid Al Muraikhi, and James Mitra, who is the Regional Director for the Arabian Gulf Region at NCA in the UK Brig. Gen. Al Muraikhi underscored the center's interest in cooperation, partnership and coordination with counterpart bodies, With the aim of utilizing the various experiences in multiple security and technical fields, to ensure that the objectives are compatible with the efforts dedicated to combating the illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and controlling precursor chemicals at the regional and international levels. He said that the center is actively pursuing the state-of-the-art methodologies to confront the professional ideology used in narcotics trafficking and the related crimes, bolstering the efforts of the concerned agencies and developing the cooperation and coordination at the regional and international levels in combating illicit traffic in narcotics and psychotropic substances, imposing control over precursors, chemicals and related cross-border organized crime, locally, regionally and internationally. He added that the MoU will bring numerous benefits to both sides, and open new avenues for strengthening co-operation between the two sides. He explained that the MoU contained, among other items, the exchange of strategic reports, assessments and statistics, in addition to exchanging information on new routes and means used in the production, trafficking and promotion of narcotic substances, including participation in relevant conferences, seminars, workshops and training courses. He also stressed the unification of all efforts among the security institutions of the GCC states to create a strong security fence capable of protecting the countries from the scourge of drugs and those who deal with them. For his part, Mitra underscored the importance of the role of the regional and international centre in drug control. He also expressed his sincere appreciation for the centre’s regional and international efforts devoted to creating a unified international network to combat drugs. The two parties also discussed ways to boost co-operation in maritime drug control operations.