Strengthening synthetic drugs awareness and safe interdiction approaches for intelligence exchange in South Asia
Malé, Maldives, 10 August 2023 - In joint efforts aimed at disrupting the trafficking of emerging synthetic drugs and related chemicals, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) successfully organized its inaugural training of multiagency enforcement officers from the Maldives. The event, opened by Mahmood Riyaz, Deputy Commissioner, Maldives Customs Service, who spoke of the value of awareness and intelligence exchange related to New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), with safe interdiction methods for the most dangerous synthetic opioids.
These potent substances pose significant threats as they are widely available not international control. The objectives of the training event were to build the capabilities of frontline officials in identifying new psychoactive substances (NPS), sharing intelligence, and acquiring techniques for the safe interdiction of dangerous synthetic opioids. Fifteen officers from customs, police, food and drug, and postal security took part in the event.
Photo: Officers exchange information across agencies on recent seizures of synthetic drugs
Ms. Shelia Kamdar, the GRIDS Regional Technical Officer for South Asia 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 also received access to INCB's proprietary targeting tools, IONICS, GRIDS Intelligence HD and ELITE paired with practical exercises.
Photo: Officers access INCB proprietary secure communications and targeting platforms during practical exercises
Officers received personal protective equipment and sensitive field drug testing kits along with science-based training on their appropriate use. Training was matched to the realities of the field environment where the frontline officers operate. These resources were supplemented with field guides, awareness posters and access to the virtual training resources.
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.
These events were made possible through generous support from the United States Department of State Bureau of 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