Peru Strengthens Capacity to Combat Synthetic Opioid Trafficking through INCB GRIDS Programme
26 May 2023, Lima, - The Government of Peru played host to a five-day intensive workshop organized by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme from 22-26 May 2023. The workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of Peruvian authorities in addressing the trafficking of non-medical synthetic opioids and dangerous new psychoactive substances (NPS) in the region. The event brought together key agencies including the National Secretariat of Drugs (DEVIDA), National Police, Customs, Postal Security, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Health.
In his opening remarks, Eduardo Chamorro, a Drug Supply Control Specialist from DEVIDA, underscored the significance of such training initiatives in raising awareness and equipping officers to effectively tackle this pressing issue. Chamorro highlighted the global expansion of fentanyl in South America and stressed the need for preventive and coordinated measures among the participating institutions to combat the spread of these dangerous substances.
The INCB trainers delivered a comprehensive approach, linking theoretical sessions with practical exercises to build the capacity of the Peruvian officers. Participants received hands-on training on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and rapid drug test kits. These kits enable officers to make presumptive identifications of fentanyls, tramadol, and oxycodone, which are among the most commonly encountered trafficked synthetic opioids.
Moreover, the workshop provided officers with access to state-of-the-art advanced targeting tools and global communication platforms developed by the INCB. Among these tools were IONICS, GRIDS Intel HD, and ELITE, which facilitate real-time global information exchange and intelligence-led targeting. These resources serve to support both domestic and international investigations related to drug trafficking.
Photo: Field visit of INCB experts to the Peru National Forensic Crime Laboratory
Upon completion of the practical curriculum, the officers were equipped with the necessary skills for the safe handling, interdiction, and rapid testing of opioids. The training aimed to enable them to securely gather intelligence and intercept dangerous substances in the field. Officers also received access to ELITE, the virtual training environment empowering officers continue building their skills sustainably.
The collaborative effort among the participating agencies and the support provided by the INCB through the GRIDS Programme are expected to bolster Peru's capabilities in combating the trafficking of synthetic opioids and NPS. By strengthening the skills and knowledge of law enforcement and border control personnel, the workshop contributes to a more effective response to the growing challenge of drug trafficking in the region.
The INCB remains committed to supporting Member States requests to counter the global drug problem. Its 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