Teaming up with CARICOM IMPACS for Second Regional Training to Combat Trafficking of Dangerous Synthetic Drugs in the Caribbean
Bridgetown, Barbados - August 25, 2023 - In a significant effort to combat the growing threat of dangerous emerging synthetic drugs, the International Narcotics Control Board's (INCB) Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substance (GRIDS) Programme joined forces with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) to conduct a two-day training session on information exchange and actionable intelligence development. This initiative comes on the heels of a similar training event held in Trinidad the week before. The collaborative training is a direct result of the Memorandum of Understanding inked between CARICOM IMPACS and INCB 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 objective of this intensive training program was to bolster the capabilities of participating officials in identifying new psychoactive substances (NPS), sharing intelligence, and acquiring techniques for the safe interdiction of dangerous synthetic opioids. The training, which unfolded on August 24 and 25, brought together 25 officials selected by CARICOM IMPACS. These officials represented the Joint Regional Communications Center (JRCC) and various law and regulatory enforcement agencies.
Ms. Marzia Deflorian, the GRIDS Regional Technical Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean led the event highlighting the latest global trends and regional cases of the trafficking of dangerous substances, including fentanyl-related substances. Participants were equipped with essential knowledge, skills and abilities as well as access to the Project ION Incident Communication System (IONICS) and the GRIDS Intelligence HD targeting platforms. Additionally, officers received training to safely interdict commonly encountered opioids as well as personal protective and sensitive drug testing equipment.
Photo: Officers access IONICS and GRIDS Intelligence targeting platforms to develop intelligence purposes
At the culmination of this impactful training initiative, CARICOM IMPACS reaffirmed the region's vulnerability to the trafficking and abuse of emerging dangerous substances. Consequently, the detection and interdiction of inbound and outbound consignments, continue to be a focus of CARICOM IMPACS and regional law enforcement agencies, whose shipments in small amounts in postal and express courier packages rendering risk assessments, detection and interdiction challenging. This joint effort between INCB and CARICOM IMPACS represents a significant stride toward securing the region from the menace of dangerous substances and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Photo: Practical exercises for the safe interdiction of dangerous substances for intelligence purposes
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