On April 20, 2026, Samarkand hosted the fourth panel session of the international forum on “Combating Transnational Drug Threats: Health, Security and Sustainable Development”
2026-04-23 00:40:00 / News
Among the speakers was Berdialiev Bakhtiyor Erkinovich, Head of the Research Institute of Criminology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a colonel and Doctor of Philosophy in Legal Sciences.
In his address, he outlined a number of forward-looking proposals intended to integrate scientific approaches, data-driven analysis, and innovative technologies into drug control efforts. Particularly, he highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence by proposing an AI-based drug monitoring system ("AI-Narko-Monitor") along with an expanded use of open-source intelligence (OSINT). Additionally, he stressed the importance of analyzing blockchain transactions and developing effective tools for tracking financial flows within decentralized finance (DeFi) systems.
To strengthen regional security, he stressed the need to adapt advanced digital platforms such as interagency "Domain Awareness Systems" to national contexts, in addition to implementing intelligent video surveillance and developing crime "heat maps" for more precise prevention efforts.
During the presentation, it was stressed that modern drug threats are becoming increasingly hybrid, merging traditional criminal activity with digital technologies. A special emphasis was placed on the growing role of scientific analysis and predictive modeling in countering such threats in this context.
Participants of the forum recognized the Samarkand event as an important platform for enhancing international cooperation and coordination in the global fight against drug trafficking.
Research Institute of Criminology of the Republic of Uzbekistan