Strengthening synthetic drugs awareness and safe interdiction for intelligence exchange with Honduran enforcement agencies
Tegucigalpa, Honduras, 25 October 2023 - The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme coordinated a national multi-agency training for government authorities from Honduras. The training was held in Tegucigalpa and included officers from the National Office of Investigation and Intelligence, Customs enforcement, National Police, Public Ministry and Public Security. The objective of the 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 Ms. Julissa Villanueva, vice minister of Public Security, welcoming the efforts from the 22 officials representing law, regulatory and customs enforcement at the training. During her opening remarks, Ms. Villanueva underscored the significance of the collaboration with INCB, stating, "The INCB analyze situations that have to do with intelligence related to non-controlled substances, precursors, and other substances that are becoming a concern to the world, especially in the United States, Mexico, where they are generating a quite lucrative market for drug traffickers; It is our concern on this issue and from Honduras, the National Police and the Public Ministry has been alerting." Ms. Villanueva highlighted the importance of pooling resources, intelligence, and expertise to disrupt illicit networks at every level.
Officers were provided access to SINCB global communications platforms and advanced targeting tools, such us IONICS, GRIDS Intel and GRIDS Elite, to enhance the global exchange of information and intelligence-led targeting and to support domestic and international investigations. The GRIDS trainer also led live demonstrations on how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and a rapid drug test kit that can detect fentanyl, tramadol and oxycodone. After the live demonstrations, 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 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