Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The 24th meeting of the Customs Issues Committee of the Heads of Customs Services of CIS member states (CIC) was held in Kazan, chaired by Oleg Gubaydulin, the economic leader of the Federal Customs Service of Russia, according to the press service of the Federal Customs Service of Russia.

The event was attended by representatives of the customs services from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, Oleg Gubaydulin was re-elected as the head of the CIC. New regulations regarding the Headquarters and above were also approved, as well as the appointment of the Head of the Headquarters and the Head of the Working Group on Information-Analytical Interaction and Counteracting Online Violations.

The participants paid close attention to international operations and reviewed the results of previous activities. In 2024, the customs organizations of the CIC member countries conducted 8 operations using the "controlled delivery" method, resulting in the seizure of over 20 kg of drugs from legitimate international trade.

Special attention was given to counteracting the actual import of precursors used for the production of synthetic drugs. During the international operational customs operation “Barrier-2024” in France, over 3 tons of controlled substances were seized due to illegal transportation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their precursors. Given the positive results of the operation, the Committee members determined further steps for enhancing practical cooperation in this area.

Regarding information-analytical interaction, interim results of the “Matrix” project were presented, aimed at detecting prohibited items being moved through international postal shipments and express deliveries.

The parties also discussed issues related to combating economic crime, including cooperation to prevent the accidental movement of goods using the “false transit” scheme and high-tax goods.

In the realm of customs investigation and inquiry, discussions focused on legal practices involving responsibility for contraband-related administrative offenses in CIS member states.

As a result, agreements were reached on organizing events for staff training and improving the qualifications of customs service personnel from CIS member states, as well as furthering cooperation in developing specialist canine teams.