Uniting Forces: INCB Collaborative Multi-Agency Training Boosts Regional Response to Emerging Synthetic Drug Manufacture and Trafficking in the Balkans
Mitrovo Polje, Serbia, 6 December 2024 - The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme convened a five-day cross-border training and networking event aimed to strengthen multi-agency cooperation among law and regulatory enforcement officers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. This collaborative training event provided a platform to address the challenges posed by the illicit manufacture and trafficking of emerging synthetic drugs, including new psychoactive substances (NPS) and opioids, while fostering closer ties across borders.
The practical twinning event occurred from 2 - 6 December 2024 at the Training Center Mitrovo Polje and brought together 20 frontline officers. Officers and experts shared national threat updates on recent operational successes, emerging trends in synthetic drug and chemical trafficking, concealment methods and clandestine manufacture. Through interactive sessions, participants explored ways to overcome operational challenges and enhance interdiction capabilities using shared expertise.
Mr. Robert Fay, clandestine laboratory investigator for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), noted the importance of capacity to detect emerging illicit synthetic drug manufacture, such as fentanyls in his presentation. There has been an expansion in the trafficking of synthetic opioids and related chemicals and equipment in Europe, and Balkan route countries are at risk.
A key component of the training was the introduction to INCB suite of communication and intelligence tools. Participants were trained on the Project ION Incident Communication System (IONICS), which facilitates real-time information sharing on seizures of NPS and other dangerous substances, and GRIDS Intelligence HD, a next generation targeting system that converts IONICS communications into actionable intelligence for risk profiling and daily operations. In addition, awareness of the growing illicit manufacture of fentanyls and related opioids, as well as related chemicals and equipment were addressed. Practical exercises allowed participants to apply these tools, demonstrating how they can improve decision-making and operational outcomes.
Photo: RCMP clandestine laboratory investigator discusses key illicit drug laboratory equiopment needed to manufacturing synthetic drugs, such as fentanyls
The programme also included dedicated training on the safe interdiction of dangerous substances. These sessions provided officers with hands-on skills to handle potentially hazardous materials during seizures, ensuring both safety and effectiveness. Through simulated exercises, participants practiced real-world scenarios that highlighted the critical role of collaboration between agencies in dismantling complex trafficking networks.
Photo: Law and regulatory enforcement officers taking part in the multinational twinning training for frontline officers
In addition to the technical knowledge gained, the event provided a valuable opportunity for networking. One participant reflected, "this training was not just about tools-it was about understanding how we, as a region, can work together to stay ahead of traffickers and protect our communities." By bridging gaps and fostering cooperation, the programme reinforces the commitment of the participating agencies to safeguard the region against the growing threat of dangerous 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.
The GRIDS Programme is supported by the Governments of Canada, Japan and the United States. This event was made possible through generous support from the United States of America's Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs under efforts of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats.
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