Handing over the equipment at the Forensic Center, DEA Tashkent Country Office Attaché Christopher Melink said the donation was a part of an ongoing collaboration with the forensic laboratories responsible for drug analysis.

He voiced the hope that the donation would help Uzbekistan’s law enforcement professionals conduct stronger, more thorough investigations that would lead to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of criminals that are putting the security of multiple nations at risk. The DEA’s ongoing and future projects in Uzbekistan reflect a belief that addressing transnational security challenges requires a comprehensive and cooperative approach. “Through different initiatives we will work together in a partnership to combat the drug trade and other transnational crime that threatens regional security and stability,” said Mr. Melink.

The US Embassy has donated forensic laboratory equipment, sponsored training – both in Uzbekistan and in the United States – for Uzbek scientists, and built relationships between Uzbek and American forensic experts through INL’s ongoing forensic laboratory improvement project.

The Forensic Center is the main lab used by the Ministry of Internal Affairs for crime scene investigations. It has the capability to conduct ballistics, chemical, audio-video, fingerprint, and other types of forensic analysis.

The Chief of the Forensic Center Gennadiy Nikishin thanked the DEA Tashkent Country Office for the donation, and said that its assistance is a natural continuation of relationships that the US has established with Uzbekistan’s law enforcement agencies. According to Nikishin, only by working together can police organizations of different countries combat security challenges and strengthen the foundation of a strong, safe, and prosperous world.