News Release
November 28, 2005
For Immediate Release

Russian Federation Director of the Federal Drug Control Service, Viktor Vasilyevich Cherkesov visited the New York Field Division

On November 3, 2005 SAC John P. Gilbride welcomed Police General Viktor Vasilyevich Cherkesov, Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation to New York City.

Russian Federation Director of the Federal Drug Control Service (FSKN), Viktor V. Cherkesov, visited New York City while on a visit to the United States to meet with DEA Administrator Karen P. Tandy. Administrator Karen P. Tandy and the Russian Federation Director of the Federal Drug Control Service (FSKN), Viktor V. Cherkesov, signed a Memorandum of Mutual Understanding (MMU) at DEA Headquarters in Arlington, VA., to express cooperation in combating illegal worldwide drug trafficking.

This agreement between the United States (U.S.) and the Russian Federation recognizes the need for international cooperation in combating illegal drugs and their precursor chemicals. These cooperative efforts include intelligence sharing, training, and assistance in disrupting and dismantling large criminal organizations that affect the drug trade in both the U.S. and Russia.

SAC Gilbride provided Director Cherkesov with a tour of the New York Field Division, intelligence and administrative briefings while discussing the importance of vigilance to disrupt the international drug trade. Director Cherkesov presented a Russian Flag to the New York Field Office that signifies the Federal Service of the Russian Federation for control in the battle of narcotics. SAC Gilbride stated that “the effort of the Federal Drug Control Service to weed out criminal organizations within Russia continues the tradition of cooperation and teamwork with international law enforcement that is critical to successfully dismantling large and sophisticated criminal organizations.”