Kyrgyzstan launches Central Asia’s first early warning system for new drugs
System aims to identify and assess new substances before they enter circulation, allowing for faster government response
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (MNTV) — Kyrgyzstan has launched a new state-run early warning mechanism to detect emerging drugs, psychoactive substances, and their precursors in a bid to curb the spread of dangerous synthetic compounds, officials said Thursday.
The system, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on July 31, includes two main components — the Republican Monitoring Center (RMC) under the Interior Ministry and the Commission on Drugs and Drug Addiction (CDDA). It aims to identify and assess new substances before they enter circulation, allowing for faster government response.
“The UN and international narcotics bodies have long recommended such monitoring systems,” said Timur Isakov, chairman of the CDDA. “Our mechanism will help detect and assess new psychoactive substances early, before they reach the public.”
The RMC will collect data from ministries, laboratories, and research institutions, while the commission — comprising representatives from 21 government agencies — will evaluate findings and recommend action to the Cabinet.
Officials said the mechanism represents Kyrgyzstan’s shift to a science-based response to evolving drug threats and makes it the first Central Asian country to implement such a system.
“These substances may not be technically illegal, but they pose serious health risks,” Isakov said. “By acting early, we can protect our youth and prevent dangerous compounds from spreading.”
Executive Secretary Zulkhumar Borboeva called the system unique in the region and urged neighboring states to adopt similar approaches.
RMC head Marsel Dootaliev said new synthetic drugs are constantly evolving, making early detection essential. The government has strengthened measures against “pharmacy addiction” and is closely monitoring medications with potential for non-medical use, he added.
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