GRIDS holds stakeholder consultation on voluntary cooperation between governments and freight forwarding services for the prevention of dangerous substance trafficking
The Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) held a three-day virtual Stakeholder Consultation on Voluntary Cooperation between Governments and Freight Forwarding Services for the Prevention of Dangerous Substance Trafficking, from 21 to 23 February 2023.
The workshop aimed to build on the achievements of the previous meetings organized by INCB since 2018, both in-person and virtually, on the prevention of the misuse of logistic services (postal, express courier, air cargo, freight forwarding, and services by other third-party logistics (3PL) providers) for trafficking of dangerous substances (namely, new psychoactive substances, non-medical synthetic opioids, and their precursors). In the current era of growing trade and globalization, drug traffickers find it particularly profitable to exploit the vast scale of shipping operations and their supply chains. As freight forwarders and 3 PLs are the key players in facilitating the movement of goods in these global networks, the consultation focused on discussing practical solutions and strategies to promote cooperation between governments and freight forwarding companies, air cargo carriers, various third-party logistic (3PL) companies, and their industry associations for the prevention of exploitation of legitimate ancillary logistic services for dangerous substance trafficking.
At least forty-four (44) representatives and experts from ten (10) governments, three (3) international organizations, three (3) international industry associations of freight forwarders/3PLs, two (2) national associations of freight forwarders and air cargo carriers, and one (1) airline company were brought together in the meeting to share their respective experiences in preventing the misuse of legitimate ancillary logistic services. The participants highlighted the problems associated with the constantly evolving modus operandi and the misuse of freight forwarding companies for the trafficking of dangerous substances; and also discussed the next steps for promoting voluntary cooperation between governments and their private sector partners by facilitating networking among the relevant experts and practitioners from the two sectors.
The participants from governments shared their observations on the trends in dangerous substance trafficking and misuse of legitimate freight forwarding services; the various modalities of information sharing with the private sector; and examples of successful interdiction of dangerous substances. The participants from the private sector highlighted their efforts in ensuring that the customers used the services of freight forwarders and 3PLs for legitimate purposes only, thereby preventing any dangerous substances from being smuggled into the shipments. The participants from international organizations briefed everyone on their different programmes and activities to support governments and the private sector in preventing and interdicting dangerous substance trafficking. The workshop concluded with the adoption of eight (8) practical recommendations to be implemented by participants, including establishing relationships between governments and freight forwarders/3PLs, including smaller companies more vulnerable to being misused for dangerous substance trafficking; and promoting voluntary cooperation between governments and freight forwarders/3PLs.
This event was made possible through generous support from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The GRIDS Programme is the International Narcotics Control Board´s global initiative addressing the international trafficking aspects of emerging dangerous substances. Launched in February 2020, the Programme contributes to the implementation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 73/192, which calls for international cooperation to address and counter the world drug problem, by responding to requests by Member States to enhance their law enforcement capacity to detect and identify new psychoactive substances and promote information sharing and cross-border cooperation, and Commission on Narcotic Drugs Resolution 62/8. The GRIDS Programme also contributes to the 2030 Agenda, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals on good health and wellbeing, sustainable cities and communities, peace, justice and strong institutions, and partnerships.
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