Within the framework of Third Global Origin Conference of the World Customs Organization (OMA) which is being carried out in Santiago, the National Director of Customs, Alejandra Arriaza, highlighted Chile's entry into the AIRCOP Program of the United Nations Organization (UN), an initiative that aims to expand the capabilities and operational forces of the institutions responsible for the Airport security to detect and intercept high-risk passengers, cargo and mail.
“The work of Customs does not end when international agreements and treaties are implemented. Today, the challenges also have to do with border protection, fight against organized crime and money laundering, drug trafficking and crimes committed within our borders. International collaboration is what will give us the foundation and competitive advantage to find a way to strengthen customs by working together to confront this type of illegal activity in cooperation with other institutions involved in this fight," said Alejandra Arriaza.
The Customs, the Investigative Police (PDI) and the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) participate in the program, and the agreement was signed by the Undersecretary of the Interior, Manuel Monsalve, and the Regional Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Alberto AreanAlso present were the head of the National Drug Department, Claudio Rey, the Director of the DGAC, Air Force General Raúl Jorquera, and the National Head of Migration and International Police of the PDI, Prefect Ernesto León.
“It is important to international collaboration "In order to have access to integrated bases and systems between the different countries. The work against organized crime, smuggling and illegal activities that occur at the borders is not done by Customs alone, but in cooperation with other agencies, whether police, security or border control, depending on the model that the different countries have. It is important because through the World Customs Organization (WCO) programs and agreements have been signed, such as the Global Container Control Program between the UN and the WCO, which in Chile we have with a memorandum of understanding together with the Ministry of the Interior that allows us to join forces with all agencies and countries against these crimes," added the National Director of Customs.
About AIRCOP
AIRCOP is a multi-agency project implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) In collaboration with INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (OMA), and is part of the European Union's Global Illicit Flows Programme.
This program facilitates communication and coordination between airports at an international level with the generation of alerts to interrupt cross-border illicit flows and criminal networks. It also includes the donation of equipment to strengthen oversight, training and internships for specialized teams to install new skills, capabilities and methodologies for detecting illicit activities in our country.
The implementation of this project in Chile joins the container program to strengthen proactive control of crimes generated in foreign trade operations via sea, already implemented by Customs in San Antonio (central zone) and which will soon be launched in the Tarapacá Region (northern zone).
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