Training on INCB GRIDS Intelligence Tools, Awareness Raising, and Opioids Safe Interdiction Approaches for intelligence purposes for drug law enforcement and regulatory officers of Lao PDR in Luang Namtha
Luang Namtha, Lao PDR, 21-23 August 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 the INCB GRIDS intelligence tools, awareness raising, and opioids safe interdiction approaches for intelligence purposes for law enforcement and regulatory officers from northern provinces of Lao PDR in Luang Namtha, from 21 to 23 August 2024.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Bounkeuth Souvannasane, Deputy Director of the Lao Customs Department, emphasized the significance of the intelligence tools developed by the GRIDS programme, noting their vital role in facilitating timely information and intelligence sharing to combat drug trafficking. He also highlighted the role of the IONICS platform, the Project ION Incident Communication System for sharing real-time information related to the seizures of the NPS and other dangerous substances, as a crucial communication channel that supports collaborative investigations.
Mr. Delvin Woolridge-Jones, Program Coordinator of the INL at the U.S. Department of State, expressed his appreciation to the GRIDS programme for its efforts in organizing a series of training events in Lao PDR focused on preventing the trafficking of dangerous substances (namely, new psychoactive substances (NPS), non-medical synthetic opioids, and their related chemicals). Commending the active participation of the participating agencies, he underscored the dangers posed by fentanyl and its analogues -- especially its risks to law enforcement, public health workers, and first responders due to potential accidental exposure -- and encouraged further collaboration among agencies to tackle these dangerous substances.
Complementing the guest speakers' remarks, Mr. Fumio Ito, Project Manager of Project ION (International Operations on NPS), remarked upon the growing prevalence of NPS and non-medical synthetic opioids in Southeast Asia and expressed confidence that the training would enhance information sharing and promote greater operational collaboration among law and regulatory enforcement agencies in Lao PDR.
The training, attended by 16 officers from the Police and Customs in the provinces of Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Phongsaly, and Xayyabouly, as well as the Vientiane Captial, provided a comprehensive overview of the GRIDS programme, its strategic initiatives, and various activities designed to address the challenges of trafficking dangerous substances. Representatives from the participating agencies shared national updates on the latest trends and seizures involving these substances and discussed opportunities for inter-agency cooperation to prevent their trafficking in the country.
Mr. Ziming Wang, GRIDS Project Associate, conducted in-depth training sessions on IONICS and GRIDS Intelligence HD, the advanced targeting system that converts IONICS communications into actionable intelligence for daily operations and risk profiling.
Following this, Mr. Sahil Sood, another GRIDS Project Associate, who delivered a presentation on NPS identification and their health harms them 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 on Day 2.
Photo: Participants during the training 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 United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL).
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