GRIDS partners with CCP in the Caucasus to build intelligence capacity to effectively counter NPS and opioids trafficking
15-17 Feb 2023 in Yerevan, Armenia and 20-22 Feb 2023 in Tbilisi, Georgia - The Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme conducted a series of trainings to support UNODC's Container Control Programme (CCP) air cargo and port control units in Armenia and Georgia to enhance counter trafficking efforts against New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), synthetic opioids and other non-scheduled dangerous substances. The trainings were focused on awareness raising, safe-handling and interdiction as well as information exchange through INCB global communication systems.
In Yerevan, Armenia, the 2-day training brought together ten national frontline officers from customs, security, and law enforcement, followed by another 2-day training in Tbilisi, Georgia, which brought together 15 national customs, and law enforcement officers. Trainers led live practical exercises on the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), rapid field testing for opioids and safe handling and interdictions. Officers were provided access to INCB global secure NPS communications platform (IONICS), advanced targeting tools (GRIDS Intelligence HD) and the virtual training environment (ELITE) to support domestic and international investigations. This event exemplifies the importance of global cooperation initiatives and collaboration efforts between CCP and GRIDS to build capacity in countries seeking to improve risk management, supply chain security, and trade facilitation in seaports, airports and land border crossings in order to prevent the cross-border movement of illicit goods.
Image: Georgian frontline officer using the IONICS platform during a practical exercise
The training events also included site visits to air cargo facilities and forensic laboratories in Armenia and Georgia. During the site visits, experts discussed and demonstrated risk profiling, practical examination procedures for cargo operations, and equipment used to test for NPS, synthetic opioids and other dangerous substances.
Image: Frontline officers in PPE (left) and practical exercise on the testing of dangerous of materials for dangerous synthetic opioids
This event was made possible through generous support from the United States of America's Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement 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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