Panche Toshkovski: Anti-drug work must follow financial flows
Toshkovski met the UNODC regional representative and announced a four‑day Police Academy course focused on financial investigations and asset seizure.
Minister of Internal Affairs Panche Toshkovski said the fight against illegal drugs must go beyond seizures and arrests and include following the money and confiscating assets acquired through crime. He made the remarks in a post by the ministry after meeting with Danilo Rici, the UNODC regional representative for Southeast Europe.
The two discussed ways to strengthen the authorities' response by using international experience, expert support and better coordination between institutions.
According to Toshkovski, an effective response to illicit drug trafficking depends on strong institutions, properly trained officers and modern investigative capacities.
Training and international support
The UNODC, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy, has provided support for implementing the country's National Drug Strategy, the minister noted. In the coming four days the Police Academy will run a specialised course on drug investigations with an emphasis on financial inquiries, asset seizure and the use of special investigative techniques.
Danilo Rici outlined current UNODC project activities in the region and described the Ministry of Internal Affairs as a significant and credible partner in implementing joint projects.
Photo: press material from the event
