Buenos Aires, Argentina, 14-16 April 2026
With support from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) GRIDS Programme partnered with the Ministry of Security of Argentina to deliver a specialized three-day training in Buenos Aires from 14 to 16 April 2026.
Hosted at the Ministry of Justice and Public Security of Argentina, the training brought together officers from key federal agencies to examine evolving challenges related to synthetic opioids, new psychoactive substances (NPS), and associated chemicals. Discussions focused on practical approaches to identifying suspicious activities, strengthening analytical capacities, and improving coordinated operational responses.
A key component of the programme was the introduction and demonstration of INCB’s secure communication and intelligence tools. Participants explored how platforms such as IONICS and GRIDS Intelligence facilitate real-time information exchange and support cross-border investigations. The recently launched AI-enabled SNOOP system was also presented, providing insight into how open-source intelligence can be leveraged to detect emerging trafficking patterns and enhance early warning capabilities.
The training further strengthened the capacities of Argentina’s law enforcement and regulatory agencies by equipping participants with advanced tools and methodologies to detect and prevent the diversion of controlled substances.
On the third day, participants visited the laboratory of the Argentine Federal Police, where they gained in-depth insight into its operations and the identification of newly detected substances in the country.
This initiative highlights the continued impact of international cooperation in addressing the rapidly evolving landscape of synthetic drugs. Through sustained support from INL, the GRIDS Programme remains committed to assisting Member States in building effective, intelligence-led responses to drug trafficking and the illicit manufacture of dangerous substances.
As part of her mission to Argentina, the Regional Technical Officer for the Americas also organized a meeting with anti-fraud units of Mercado Libre at the company’s headquarters. Experts from various teams learned about trends related to NPS, opioids, and other emerging threats, as well as the challenges faced by both the public and private sectors. The meeting further strengthened the existing collaboration between the company and the INCB.
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.
This event was made possible through generous support from the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (U.S. 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
