The World Customs Organization (WCO) and INTERPOL reaffirmed this Friday (26.06.2020/XNUMX/XNUMX) their commitment to align customs and police efforts in the fight against organized crime and illicit drug trafficking on the occasion of the celebration of United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to the statement, the theme of this celebration is «"Better knowledge for better care on the global scourge of drugs, their impact on societies and the importance of a coordinated approach to raising awareness."
Organized crime is already taking advantage of opportunities. While governments around the world are taking steps to address the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate their impacts on the social and economic life of citizens, there is evidence that organized crime syndicates have already taken advantage of the opportunity to multiply their illicit activities.
Drug trafficking accounts for half of all transnational organized crime revenues according to the United Nations, providing a constant source of funding for other criminal activities and even threats such as terrorism.
Better understanding of their modus operandi and concealment methods, as well as strong international cooperation, are crucial., more than ever, to enable customs and police officials around the world to secure borders and protect societies.
Joining efforts
"The fight against illicit drug trafficking is a key component of the customs community's efforts to make this world a better place. Together with law enforcement, we are at the forefront of this fight for the good of our societies and the rule of law.", He said Secretary General of the WCO, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya. «Let us join forces and move forward together through greater cooperation and knowledge."He added.
"Whether expressed through violence, corruption or addiction, the global illicit drug trade has a corrosive impact on societies, economies and individual health. COVID-19 has not changed these basic facts. ", He said INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock.
«Instead, police have had to take on the task of adapting to ever-changing drug trafficking patterns, while playing a central role in countries’ efforts to stop the spread of the virus. That’s why communication and cooperation between national law enforcement organizations and customs control is crucial to protecting our communities.”, added the head of INTERPOL.
Adapting to a new normal
Training of customs officers is at the core of WCO's support to its members. The WCO, following the COVID-19 global health crisis, has adopted a New strategy focused on online training through its CLiKC! platform. Among the training provided, Customs officers can gain knowledge on the latest risk management techniques, concealment methods and previously detected drug routes, based on the analysis of data collected through the WCO Customs Control Network. One of the most relevant tools to improve Customs practices for enforcement and seizures is the Compendium of Customs Operational Practices for Enforcement and Seizures (COPES), available to WCO members.
Under the Drugs and Precursors Program Within the framework of the WCO, which aims to counter the global illegal trade involving the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of substances subject to drug restriction and prohibition laws, a number of initiatives have been developed, often in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies.
These include the UNODC – WCO Container Control Programme (CCP) and its Container Control Units Ports and Air Cargo Units, the Project AIRCOP with its Joint Interdiction Task Forces Airport established to strengthen airport controls and the newly established Project HUMMING-BIRD of the WCO. This is a multidisciplinary initiative funded by the European Union that aims to monitor and control General Aviation through an ambitious programme of capacity building and sophisticated technological innovation.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, INTERPOL has worked closely with law enforcement agencies in its 194 member countries to monitor changing drug trafficking patterns and share intelligence. The organization has regularly issued Purple Notices, which provide information on objects, devices and concealment methods used by criminals, through its secure I-24/7 communications channel.
Un Recent Purple Notice detailed how criminal groups used food delivery services to traffic drugs during government-imposed lockdowns.
INTERPOL Secretary General also He has repeatedly warned that organized crime will try to take advantage of the economic consequences of COVID-19 to divert proceeds from drug trafficking and other crimes into the legitimate economy, thereby increasing their influence and money laundering potential.
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