Addressing Synthetic Drug and Falsified Pharmaceutical Trafficking with Ugandan Enforcement Officers
19 April 2024, Kampala, Uganda - In a focused effort to enhance the capabilities of Ugandan law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safe handling of dangerous substances, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme, in collaboration with key stakeholders, organized a targeted training session.
Fifteen law and regulatory officers from the National Drug Authority (NDA), National Police, Customs, and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), took part in this capacity building event. The training agenda was tailored to address critical areas pertinent to the effective interception of illicit substances and the promotion of safety protocols.
Participants received access and training on the Project ION Communication System (IONICS) for sharing real-time information related to the seizures of the NPS and other dangerous substances and in using GRIDS Intelligence HD, the advanced targeting system that transforms IONICS communications into actionable intelligence for daily operations and risk-profiling. Bedi Amari, the Regional Technical Officer for Nigeria stressed the importance of utilizing these tools in the effort to combat the trafficking of dangerous substances.
Additionally, a dedicated session focused on safe interdiction practices and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was conducted. This session aimed to heighten participants' awareness of safety measures when dealing with opioids and other hazardous 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 Government of Japan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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