Iran Calls on Italy and Switzerland to Take Action in Global Anti-Drug Initiative

In a significant move to tackle drug-related challenges, Brigadier General Hossein Zolfaqari, the Secretary General of the Iranian Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ), has emphasized the importance of international cooperation. His recent meetings with General Pierangelo Iannotti, the Central Director for Italy’s Anti-Drug Services (DCSA), and Barbara Schedler Fischer, the head of the International Affairs Division of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) of Switzerland, underscore Iran’s commitment to combating drug trafficking effectively.

The discussions took place during the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), which convened from March 10 to 14 in Vienna, Austria. Zolfaqari highlighted the geographical significance of Iran on the Balkan transit route to Europe, which has made the country a focal point for drug traffickers.

During his meeting with the Italian official, Zolfaqari stated, “The attractive European market tempts drug traffickers; one of the negative consequences of this economic corruption is the irreparable losses that we are going through in our own region.” He also reported that Iran had seized approximately 440 tons of narcotics in 2024, including 38 tons of methamphetamine, with some shipments destined for European nations.

The collaboration between Iran and Italy has previously included the exchange of expertise and information, as well as training programs for drug detection. However, Zolfaqari noted that these efforts have recently come to a halt. In response, Iannotti acknowledged Iran’s substantial contributions, stating, “We are well aware of Iran’s extensive activities and great measures in detecting drugs being trafficked from Afghanistan to Europe.” He further mentioned the role of a liaison officer at the Italian Embassy in Tehran to enhance cooperation and training initiatives.

In his discussion with Schedler Fischer, Zolfaqari expressed concern over the discrimination Iran faces from some Western countries, despite its ongoing efforts in the fight against drugs. He highlighted that Iran has discovered over 5,000 tons of various narcotics in the past five years, attributing this success to intelligence-based operations that have increased the risks for smugglers. As a result, many international smuggling gangs have shifted to alternative routes, such as maritime pathways.

Zolfaqari also outlined Iran’s multifaceted approach to addressing drug addiction, which includes:

• Demand Reduction: Initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of addiction among the population.
• Harm Reduction: Programs that provide essential services to drug users, including sterile syringes and hygiene items.
• Treatment and Rehabilitation: Enhancements in treatment capacities, leading to an increase in addiction treatment centers to 7,200.
• Community Integration: Efforts to reintegrate recovered individuals into society.

He emphasized that these programs have successfully contained the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne infections linked to drug use. “Thanks to prevention programs, harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation, and the implementation of the ‘Life Helpers’ project, we have managed to control the prevalence of these diseases,” Zolfaqari noted.

Schedler Fischer acknowledged the challenges Iran faces due to its geographical position, stating, “We understand Iran’s geographical location and conditions, and the resulted hardships and challenges.” She highlighted the significance of Iran’s harm reduction programs and expressed Switzerland’s readiness to share knowledge and experiences in addiction prevention and treatment.

During the CND session, Zolfaqari raised concerns regarding the impact of unilateral sanctions on Iran’s counter-narcotics efforts. He argued that these sanctions not only escalate the costs associated with treatment and harm reduction programs but also hinder the development of effective strategies to combat drug trafficking. “Despite all efforts made to overcome the problem, national and international drug control systems are struggling with the rapid emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS),” he stressed.

To address these challenges, Zolfaqari proposed several methods for more effective treatment of drug-related issues, including:

1. Expanding Cooperation: Strengthening partnerships between countries to share information and resources.
2. Technical Assistance: Providing necessary equipment and technologies to nations affected by drug trafficking.
3. Diversifying Treatment Methods: Facilitating access to drugs for medical purposes to reduce the demand for illegal substances.

He called on the international community to support regional agreements, such as the one facilitated by the UNODC between Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, aimed at enhancing counter-narcotics enforcement. “We urge an end to sanctions and the procurement of effective technical and equipment assistance to countries on the frontline of the fight against drugs,” Zolfaqari concluded.

This renewed call for international cooperation and understanding highlights Iran’s ongoing commitment to combating drug trafficking and its willingness to collaborate with other nations for a more effective global response to this pressing issue.