Tehran: Iran is prepared to become a regional hub for illicit drug prevention and treatment programs under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), citing the country’s extensive experience and achievements in combating drug abuse, an official said. Mohammad Narimani, head of the International Affairs Department of the Drug Control Headquarters, made the remarks on Sunday following his return from high-level SCO meetings in Xi’an, China.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Narimani highlighted that while the SCO possesses strong structural capacities in the fight against drugs, it still faces practical challenges that hinder its effectiveness. He emphasized that the Islamic Republic has borne significant human and financial costs in its battle against drug trafficking and called for the SCO to leverage its political, security, and economic influence to assist Iran.

Narimani conveyed that such cooperation would not only benefit Iran but also contribute to the stability and security of the entire region. He suggested that Iran’s efforts to counter shared threats such as terrorism, narcotics, and sanctions could bolster the SCO’s position as a formidable bloc in an increasingly multipolar world.

He also identified specific areas where the SCO could offer support to Iran, including the identification and dismantling of drug trafficking and terrorist networks. Furthermore, he urged for pressure to be exerted on the ruling Taliban to dismantle heroin and methamphetamine production labs in Afghanistan and advocated for facilitating Iran’s access to advanced border control equipment.