Border initiative to stop drug flow

TEHRAN, May 8 (UPI) -- Officials from Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan have announced plans to strengthen border cooperation to stop the flow of drugs and crime.

A recent meeting, part of the Triangular Initiative brokered by the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, was held in Tehran between officials from Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. The three countries agreed to establish border liaison offices and plans to mount joint operations to fight the illicit flow of drugs and crime coming from Afghanistan's volatile regions, the UNODC reported.

The trans-border cooperation initiative is the result of Afghanistan emerging as the world's largest producer of opium. The United Nations has cited the opium trade as intrinsically connected to militant groups that use the money from opium to fund terrorist operations.

UNODC officials say they will provide training, equipment and other assistance as the three countries work to intensify their border security efforts. Iran has also promised to establish a permanent secretariat from the Triangular Initiative at a regional center for intelligence exchange.

Despite the agreement to increase border security efforts, officials raised concerns about ensuring the continued flow of legitimate trade between the countries. "We need to ensure that ways to facilitate trade are not exploited by smugglers of guns, chemicals, and weapons," Antonio Maria Costa, UNODC executive director, said in a statement.