INCB GRIDS Facilitates a Twinning Mission for Focal Points of Laos and Viet Nam to Learn about INCB GRIDS Targeting Center and Intelligence Tools
Vienna, Austria, February 27-29, 2024 - The International Narcotics Control Board's (INCB's) Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme organized a three-day twinning mission for 10 Customs officers from Lao PDR and Viet Nam (5 from each country).
The two delegations (along with the GRIDS Programme officers) presented briefings on the latest trends and seizures of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and emerging dangerous substances of concern in their respective countries and the region. The participants highlighted the necessity of establishing Targeting Centers supported by the GRIDS Programme in Laos and Viet Nam. Designated Customs officers in each country will work in these Centers utilizing the GRIDS intelligence tools to facilitate the exchange of information related to the trafficking of dangerous substances.
Photo: Presentations of GRIDS Programme's Global Managers on the Programme updates (left) and the idea of Targeting Center (right)
The delegations visited the GRIDS Targeting Center in Vienna to learn about its operation, where the Programme's Global managers provided them with an overview and demonstration of different GRIDS intelligence tools (IONICS, GRIDS Intelligence HD, SNOOP, etc.) used at the Center for developing information packages on dangerous substance trafficking.
Under the auspices of the Global OPIOIDS Project, over 100 officers, experts and officials from 62 governments, international organizations and private sector companies and associations shared their experiences and perspectives on how to advance targeting efforts to address exploitation of legitimate postal, express courier and air cargo services for trafficking purposes. Experts discussed opportunities around data and information flags, technology tools, advanced techniques for targeting and the operational voluntary cooperation between public and private partners in promoting secure supply chains and strengthening borders.
Photo: Presentations of GRIDS Programme's Global Managers on the Programme updates (left) and the idea of Targeting Center (right)
The participants identified and discussed the follow-up steps for implementing the initiative (for developing similar Targeting Centers) in their respective countries. The mission also provided an opportunity to enhance international cooperation between the two countries and share information and intelligence on incidents involving the trafficking of these substances.
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 from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, Department of State, U.S. Government.
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