Islamabad, Pakistan, 20–21 May 2026
The International Narcotics Control Board’s (INCB) Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme conducted a two-day training workshop for 15 law enforcement officers in Islamabad, Pakistan. The activities focused on the use of INCB GRIDS intelligence tools, identification of new psychoactive substances (NPS), and open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques to strengthen operational capacities and support intelligence led responses to the trafficking of dangerous substances.
The training opened with welcoming remarks from representatives of the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), who emphasized the importance of international cooperation, information sharing, and strengthening frontline capabilities to address evolving synthetic drug threats. The INCB GRIDS Programme also expressed appreciation to the Government of Pakistan and participating agencies for their continued cooperation and commitment to strengthening national and regional responses.
Participants were briefed on the rapidly changing nature of synthetic drug trafficking, driven by emerging technologies, new trafficking routes, and increasingly sophisticated criminal networks. Discussions emphasized the importance of strengthening both national multi agency coordination and international cooperation, particularly through timely intelligence sharing and operational collaboration to support more effective responses to trafficking threats.
Photo: Participants during the training workshop utilising GRIDS E-learning systems and field guides for IONICS, GRIDS Intelligence and other project’s systems
On Day 1, participants received an overview of global and regional trends related to dangerous substances and were introduced to INCB’s suite of GRIDS intelligence tools including IONICS and GRIDS Intelligence HD. The sessions demonstrated how operational data can be transformed into actionable intelligence to support interdiction and enforcement activities.
Participants also received practical training on the identification of new psychoactive substances and emerging synthetic drug threats, including discussions on trafficking methods and evolving criminal tactics.
Photo: GRIDS Programme Associate instructing session on NPS Identification and INCB GRIDS Intelligence HD tool
On Day 2, participants received specialized instruction on the use of the AI powered SNOOP system for the identification and monitoring of suspicious online activity involving dangerous substances and exploitation of online platforms by traffickers. Officers additionally participated in practical exercises on safe interdiction techniques, allowing them to apply procedures and operational approaches in simulated scenarios designed to strengthen frontline preparedness and officer safety during enforcement activities.
The practical sessions enabled participants to strengthen their understanding of intelligence workflows, improve their operational readiness, and enhance their ability to support ongoing investigations and enforcement activities.
Photo: Officers participating in practical exercises and demonstrations during the training
The Board's Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme operates 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.
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
