USA INL funded INCB GRIDS Programme supports with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) training on complex transnational investigations stopping trafficking at the frontline of the Balkan Route
Skopje, North Macedonia August 15, 2025 - The INL funded INCB GRIDS Programme, working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), conducted a specialized training course in Skopje, North Macedonia, to address trafficking of chemicals and synthetic drugs along the Balkan route.
Photo: Ms. Amparo Estruch delivering training on SNOOP for open-source investigations
30 frontline police and customs officers from North Macedonia were trained to detect and interdict illicit consignments before they can cross borders. Participants received access to and hands-on training with the full suite of GRIDS Programme tools-including the IONICS suite and SNOOP-giving them the ability to act on real-time intelligence and track traffickers across borders.
Officers were briefed on national and regional opioid trafficking trends, equipping them with the knowledge to anticipate and counter evolving smuggling tactics. Scenario-based exercises allowed participants to apply these tools to real-world interdiction challenges, strengthening their operational readiness from day one.
Photo: Officers during the session on safe handling techniques
The GRIDS Programme remains committed to supporting national authorities with cutting-edge intelligence tools and collaborative platforms like the IONICS suite of tools including IONICS, GRIDS Intelligence, CHEMPROFILER, and SNOOP.
The Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme and Project ION and OPIOIDS Project operate under the International Narcotics Control Board's unique Article 35 (1961) treaty mandate that supports Governments' capabilities to exchange information on trafficking, illicit manufacture, marketing and sales of NPS, synthetic opioids, fentanyls and related chemicals, by providing real-time communication, and capabilities to facilitate information exchange and intelligence development with the aim to interdict distribution of dangerous substances.
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