Brazil Strengthens Capacity to Combat Trafficking in Dangerous Substances through INCB Workshops
8-19 May 2023, Brazil - Brazilian authorities recently participated in a series of capacity building workshops organized by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme. The workshops, held from 8-19 May in Brasilia and São Paulo, aimed to enhance officer's ability to address the trafficking of non-medical synthetic opioids and dangerous new psychoactive substances (NPS).
The workshops brought together officers from various Brazilian enforcement agencies, the National Secretariat of Drugs (SENAD), the National Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA), Customs, and Postal Operators. The collaborative effort aimed to foster a multidisciplinary approach to combating the illegal trade of these substances and strengthen the country's enforcement capabilities.
The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including raising awareness of regional trafficking threats associated with new psychoactive substances and dangerous synthetic opioids. Theoretical classroom courses, technology tools, and practical exercises incorporated into the workshops. These exercises involved teaching officers safe interdiction approaches, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Additionally, experts provided training on the proper use of presumptive drug identification kits, focusing on detecting the most commonly trafficked synthetic opioids, such as fentanyls, tramadol, and oxycodone.
One of the key objectives of the workshops was to emphasize the importance of awareness and training in combating the threat of NPS. Monica Paulo de Souza, a forensic expert from the Federal Police, stressed this point in her presentation, stating "with regard to the seizure of new psychoactive substances, most countries report that they face difficulties in detecting them. Therefore, constant investment in technology, staff training and integrated intelligence actions between different national and international bodies and entities are essential to solve this problem." De Souza also highlighted the unique challenge posed by these substances, noting their potency and the potential risks they pose to frontline officers.
To bolster intelligence-led targeting and enhance domestic and international investigations, the officers were granted access to the INCB global secure communication system (IONICS) and its GRIDS Intel HD targeting platforms. These platforms provide multi-agency advanced targeting and facilitate real-time global exchange of information among law enforcement agencies.
During the workshops, officers also had the opportunity to visit the multi-agency Operational Fusion Centre in Foz Da Iguazu. This visit allowed them to engage with co-located representatives from the Federal Police and Customs, gaining insights into the operations conducted by Brazilian authorities along the triple border with Argentina and Paraguay.
By hosting these capacity building workshops, the INCB's GRIDS Programme contributed to strengthening Brazil's efforts in combatting the trafficking of dangerous substances. The collaboration among different agencies and the provision of specialized training, advanced tools, and access to intelligence platforms are expected to enhance the country's ability to detect, interdict, and dismantle illicit trade of non-medical synthetic opioids and NPS.
The Board's Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme and Project ION and OPIOIDS Project support Governments' capacity to respond to changing trafficking, illicit manufacture, marketing and sales of NPS, non-medical synthetic opioids and fentanyl-related substances by providing real-time communication, facilitating information exchange and intelligence development that interdict distribution of dangerous substances.
This event was made possible through generous support the generous support of the United States Department of State Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL).
Click here to learn more about the GRIDS Programme
Click here to learn more about the OPIOIDS Project
Click here to learn more about the Project ION