Iran Tops Region in Drug Seizures

TEHRAN (Iran News) Asgari underscored the need to streamline trade across ECO member states through technological innovation and deeper inter-agency coordination. He proposed critical initiatives including the implementation of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems, expansion of a unified customs window, and integrated operations between border and economic authorities.

“The era of traditional trade is over,” Asgari told participants. “We are now in the fourth generation of commerce—an era driven by advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and data-driven decision-making.”

He emphasized that such innovations are transforming global trade logistics, allowing for faster, more transparent, and cost-effective transactions. Customs agencies, he said, are no longer just regulatory bodies but must evolve into smart, data-savvy trade facilitators.

Asgari also urged ECO countries to embrace modern infrastructure and smart customs tools, including AI-powered cargo detection, electronic documentation, and digital risk management systems. He noted that these advancements not only expedite clearance processes but also significantly reduce the financial and time burdens of cross-border trade.

According to the IRICA chief, Iran’s geopolitical position enables it to act as a vital corridor linking landlocked Central Asian nations to international markets. This positioning, combined with advanced customs capabilities, allows Iran to serve as both a trade hub and a stabilizing force in global supply chains.

Asgari highlighted Iran’s efforts to modernize its customs infrastructure, improve data exchange with neighboring countries, and implement new digital processes at key terminals. These measures, he said, aim to transform Iran into a long-term strategic asset for the entire ECO region.

In addition to trade facilitation, Asgari noted Iran’s strong performance in combating narcotics smuggling. “Iran, in collaboration with the anti-narcotics police and using advanced inspection tools, drug-sniffing dogs, and risk analysis systems, has achieved significant and effective results in seizing narcotics, precursors, and psychotropic drugs,” he said.

He stressed that drug trafficking is a regional and global issue requiring shared responsibility, information exchange, and comprehensive technical support. Iran, he added, is fully prepared to share its experiences and jointly develop operational frameworks under the ECO and international institutions such as the World Customs Organization (WCO).

Asgari called the 10th meeting of ECO customs chiefs a “strategic milestone” and emphasized its potential to shape the future of customs cooperation across the region. “This summit is not just about reviewing past achievements,” he said, “but a platform to draft a roadmap for future collaboration.”

The high-level gathering brought together customs officials, international organizations, and key players in regional trade to discuss joint projects, integration strategies, and the path toward a modern, smart, and unified regional customs system.

According to IRNA, trade between Iran and other ECO member countries reached 36.2 million tons in volume and $27.6 billion in value during the Iranian year 1403 (2024–2025). These figures underscore the growing importance of regional economic cooperation in the face of global trade challenges.

Asgari concluded by calling for continued collective will, political commitment, and technical cooperation to realize a brighter future for regional trade, security, and economic development.