INCB GRIDS organizes Sub-regional Training on Intelligence-led Tools, Awareness Raising, and Opioids Safe Interdiction Approaches for Intelligence purposes for Law and Regulatory Enforcement Officers of Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam
Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 19-21 November 2024 - The International Narcotics Control Board's (INCB's) Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme conducted a two-and-a-half-day training on INCB GRIDS suite of intelligence tools, awareness raising, and opioids safe interdiction approaches for intelligence purposes for 13 law and regulatory enforcement officers of Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from 19 to 21 November 2024.
Emphasizing the rise of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and non-medical use of synthetic opioids, which have rapidly altered substance abuse and trafficking patterns globally including Southeast Asia, causing a detrimental impact on public health, Mr. Fumio Ito, Project Manager of Project ION (International Operations on NPS), in his opening speech, remarked that recent developments were outpacing governmental responses. Owing to their proximity to manufacturing hubs for these substances, countries in Southeast Asia face significant risks. Additionally, limited information-sharing and forensic capacity of law enforcement agencies prevent timely responses and hinder detection, underlining the need for greater collaboration, adoption of safe handling practices, and enhancing the operational capacity of law enforcement officers to address the various challenges related to the trafficking of dangerous substances (namely NPS, non-medical synthetic opioids, and their related chemicals).
Presenting her remarks on behalf of the Government of Japan, Ms. Miyoshi Asagi, Counsellor, Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, appreciated INCB for organizing the training and commended participants' commitment. Highlighting her government's concern about the rising threat of illicit drugs and their role in destabilizing communities and negatively affecting public health, she stressed the need for regional and international collaboration and reaffirmed her country's support for coordinated responses and cooperation with organizations such as INCB.
Photo: Ms. Miyoshi Asagi presenting her opening remarks at the training event
H.E. Pol. Gen. Meas Vyrith, Secretary General of NACD, expressed his pleasure in presiding over the event and thanked INCB for its continued support in the global fight against drugs. Highlighting the importance of building officers' knowledge and skills, he emphasized the need to address the trafficking and illegal use of dangerous substances, particularly NPS. Mentioning Cambodia's progress in drug enforcement - successful crackdowns, arrests, and seizures carried out in 2023 and 2024 - he further highlighted the value of international cooperation in fostering better operational cooperation and encouraged participants to engage actively in the training.
Photo: Mr. H.E. Pol. Gen. Meas Vyrith delivering the opening remarks at the training session
The training began with a comprehensive overview of the GRIDS programme, its strategic initiatives, and various activities designed to address the challenges of combating the trafficking dangerous substances. The representatives from each of the three countries, respectively, provided updates on recent trends, seizures, and concealment methods of dangerous substances in their countries.
Photo: Vietnamese officer presenting during the training on NPS and opioids interdiction
On day 2, Mr. Ziming Wang, GRIDS Project Associate, conducted in-depth training sessions on the IONICS platform and GRIDS Intelligence HD, the advanced targeting system that converts IONICS communications into actionable intelligence, aiding daily operations and enhancing risk profiling.
Photo: Participants actively engaged in the session on IONICS
Following this, on day 3, Mr. Sahil Sood, another GRIDS Project Associate, who delivered a presentation on NPS identification and their health harms on day 1, conducted special sessions on safe handling and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the officers to enhance their awareness of the safety measures when dealing with opioids and other dangerous substances.
Photo: Officers during the session on safe handling techniques
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.
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