INCB expands safe interdiction approaches for intelligence exchange in Paraguay that effectively combats synthetic opioids and NPS trafficking in the region
28 April 2023, Asuncion, Paraguay - The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme delivered a multi-agency capacity building training for Paraguayan authorities from 24-28 April in Asuncion, Paraguay. The workshop brought together participants from SENAD (National Secretariat of Drugs), Customs, Postal Security, Ministry of Interior, the Supreme Court, and Ministry of Health to build capacity to address non-medical synthetic opioids and dangerous new psychoactive substance (NPS) trafficking in the region.
Opening the workshop, Dr. Cesar Arce, INCB Board Member highlighted the importance of postal and express couriers' exploitation in the trafficking of NPS and synthetic opioids in his opening remarks, stating, "it is critical that we equally recognize the continuing challenge of postal, express courier and other transportation services exploited by traffickers. Modern tools offer criminals many advantages to facilitate their activities. The potency of synthetic drugs allows criminals to mail these dangerous substances in small, hard-to-detect amounts which can pose a risk to front-line officers."
Photos: Cesar Arce, Board Member of the INCB, opening the training workshop in Asuncion
During the workshop, officers received access to INCB global communications and advanced targeting tools, namely IONICS, GRIDS Intel HD and ELITE, to enhance the global exchange of information and intelligence-led targeting and to support domestic and international investigations. Trainers matched theoretical classroom courses with practical exercises on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and rapid drug test kits that provide presumptive identification for fentanyls, tramadol and oxycodone. Opioids safe handling and interdiction equipment and rapid test kits were delivered to the participating officers for use on the frontlines.
The GRIDS Programme also met with units within SENAD, including the intelligence and operational divisions, in order to better understand their roles, inter-agency cooperation and tailor the training to local situations. The meeting also included a discussion with the Minister of the National Secretariat of Drugs to outline priorities and brief her on the GRIDS programme of work in the region.
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