UNODC-WCO Global Container Control Programme launches remote mentorship programmes in Central Asia

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for Central Asia organized a series of remote mentoring programmes under UNODC-World Customs Organization (WCO) Global Container Control Programme (CCP) including for the Port Control Units (PCU) at the “Alat” and “Chukursay Tekhkontora” Customs posts in Uzbekistan on 23-24 June 2020; for PCUs at the “Morport” and “Altynkol zhol” customs posts in Kazakhstan on 30 June-03 July 2020. These mentorships are organized in line with the CCP Workplan of distance learning activities for 2020 agreed with CCP beneficiary agencies in Central Asia. 

Addressing Customs officials during the mentorships, Mr. Batyr Geldiyev, UNODC Regional Programme Coordinator, encouraged PCU members in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to take advantage of the online practical training to prevent the use of the cargo supply chain by organized criminal groups for illegal purposes.

During the mentoring programmes, members of the PCUs had an opportunity to refresh their knowledge and strengthen theoretical and practical skills on cargo profiling and goods inspection. An experienced UNODC trainer-mentor provided necessary recommendations on selection and profiling of high-risk cargo, analyzing current shipping documentation in real-time and inspection of railway wagons, containers, and trucks.

Particularly, an update on the latest significant seizures of amphetamines, heroin and cocaine smuggling with video demonstration was provided followed by a profound discussion on risk indicators, methods of concealment and current modus-operandi revealed. PCU staff also had an opportunity to seek UNODC expert`s advice on PCU activity, discuss current challenges as well as share information on the latest seizure cases by PCUs.

The CCP Regional Segment for Central Asia is funded by the Government of Japan and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and the Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Programme.