DUSHANBE, July 9, 2015, Asia-Plus -- On Wednesday July 8, United States Ambassador to Tajikistan Susan M. Elliott facilitated the donation of 87 vehicles to Tajikistan''s Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Drug Control Agency under the President of Tajikistan, the State Committee for National Security (SCNS), the Main Border Guard Administration at SCNS, and the National Guard, totaling more $5.7 million and funded by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Counter-Narcotics Program, according to the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe.

These vehicles represent continued commitment of the United States in the countering the trafficking of illegal drugs in Tajikistan. CENTCOM has supplied Toyota Hilux 4-Door 4x4 Vehicles, Toyota HIACE cargo van, commuter Buses and Toyota Prato’s.  These vehicles will be used to increase Tajikistan’s Counter-Narcotics agencies’ ability to identify, interdict, and defeat narcotics trafficking within Tajikistan’s borders.  Through increased training and equipping of government civilian forces, a major step forward will be achieved in ending drug related incidents within Tajikistan.

Ambassador Elliott noted this vehicle hand-over continues to demonstrate the U.S. interest in working with government of Tajikistan to eradicate illegal drug trade within the region.  She thanked the Tajik agencies for their continued efforts in countering the illegal drug enterprise and for their willingness to work with the U.S. in enhancing their capabilities.

The CENTCOM Counter-Narcotics program provides assistance to enhance and produce a self-sustaining, viable, and effective counter-narcotic force within the counter-narcotics community in Tajikistan.  This program has provided nearly $130 million dollars of assistance since 2007.