INCB FORWARD for Enforcement Initiative: Strengthening Global Drug Enforcement Through Training and Collaboration
Vienna, 30 July 2024 - The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme is transforming high-level enforcement strategies into practical solutions for countering synthetic drugs, illicit chemicals, and trafficking networks. FORWARD for Enforcement (Fostering Opportunities and Resources for Women's Advancement, Recognition, and Development) provided a hybrid platform to equip professionals from law enforcement, regulatory bodies, customs, border security, and public safety agencies with the necessary tools, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and operational strategies to strengthen enforcement efforts against synthetic drug and chemical trafficking.
The event gathered representatives from 10 global and regional NGOs, UN agencies, and international organizations, facilitating the exchange of best practices, resources, and operational tools to enhance enforcement capabilities. Discussions focused on leadership development in enforcement, strategic networking, and strengthening inter-agency collaboration for intelligence-sharing.
INCB Board Member Jagjit Pavadia opened the event by reflecting on her experience as the former Narcotics Commissioner of India, where she led enforcement agencies in tackling complex challenges in drug control and regulatory enforcement. She emphasized the operational challenges faced by enforcement professionals
Director Jeea Saraswati from Global Affairs Canada highlighted Canada's commitment to fostering global security through targeted enforcement training and leadership opportunities. She underscored the importance of ensuring that enforcement officers have access to mentorship programs, training in investigative techniques, and platforms to strengthen operational knowledge-sharing.
The event featured panel discussions that addressed key aspects of operational and leadership development. Sessions focused on mentorship and coaching in enforcement, the role of networking in intelligence-sharing, leadership development within security agencies, and strategies for professional visibility in enforcement careers. Experts from UN agencies, NGOs, and international organizations shared their experiences on how to effectively build and sustain enforcement careers, enhance coordination between security entities, and navigate institutional challenges while strengthening operational impact. Highlights from the event, showcasing key moments and insights, are available to view here.
The FORWARD for Enforcement initiative under the broader GRIDS Programme serves as a platform for leadership development, operational collaboration, and capacity-building in enforcement sectors. By translating high-level strategies into actionable solutions, the initiative ensures that law enforcement and regulatory officers have access to the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to effectively respond to emerging trafficking threats.
Photo: Jagjit Pavadia, INCB Board Member and FORWARD Keynote Speaker, alongside Experts from the Leadership Development and Self-Promotion Panel during the event.
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.
The GRIDS Programme and its FORWARD for Enforcement initiative is supported by the Governments of Canada, Japan and the United States.
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