INCB and CARICOM IMPACS Collaboration Strengthens Countertrafficking Efforts for Synthetic Drug Threats in the Caribbean
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago - August 23, 2023 - In a pivotal partnership aimed at curbing the trafficking of emerging synthetic drugs and related chemicals, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) successfully organized its inaugural regional training series in Trinidad and Tobago in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS). The event focused on awareness and intelligence exchange related to New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) with safe interdiction of the most dangerous synthetic opioids.
The objective of the August 21-23 training event, was to bolster the capabilities of frontline officials in identifying new psychoactive substances (NPS), sharing intelligence, and acquiring techniques for the safe interdiction of dangerous synthetic opioids. These substances pose significant threats as they currently fall outside the realm of international control and can be fatal if consumed at the milligram dosage.
The event commenced with an inauguration ceremony led by Mr. Earl Harris, the Assistant Director Strategic Services at CARICOM IMPACS welcoming the efforts from the 27 officials representing CARICOM IMPACS Regional Intelligence Fusion Center (RIFC), law and regulatory enforcement officers at the training. The specialized officers were selected from various entities, including the customs, coast guard, prison service, forensic science center, police service, and the pharmacy-drug inspectorate.
During his opening remarks, Mr. Matthew Nice, the manager of the INCB GRIDS | OPIOIDS Project, underscored the significance of the MoU with CARICOM IMPACS, stating, "the need for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and intelligence sharing to combat the trafficking of emerging drugs and related chemicals is pivotal to protect the peoples of the Caribbean." Mr. Nice highlighted the importance of pooling resources, intelligence, and expertise to disrupt illicit networks at every level.
Photo: Multiagency group exercises on practical intelligence development
Ms. Marzia Deflorian, the GRIDS Regional Technical Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean presented the latest global and regional trafficking trends of dangerous substances, including NPS, synthetic opioids, and related chemicals. Participants exchanged regional and national trends and discussed trafficking modi operandi encountered in their work. Officers received access to INCB's proprietary tools, IONICS, GRIDS Intelligence HD, and ELITE. Officers also received briefing from experts at the Forensic Science Centre, who provided insights into the latest data on tested NPS and showcased challenges related to the islands first synthetic drugs laboratory seized just weeks earlier in Port of Spain.
Photo: Presentation and tour of the Forensic Science Centre laboratory
The training event, the first in a series, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing cooperation between INCB and CARICOM IMPACS, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding during the 5th international operational meeting to counter trafficking of synthetic opioids, dangerous substances and chemicals through postal, express courier and air cargo services convened at the United Nations in Vienna in September 2022.
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 at the source.
This event was organized in collaboration with CARICOM-IMPACS and was made possible through generous support from the Canadian Government, Global Affairs Canada.
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