Inauguration of a new multi-agency initiative to enhance air cargo security

20 November 2017, Karachi, Jinnah International Airport

In an effort to increase scrutiny over the security of air cargo consignments, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Pakistan marked the inauguration of Karachi Air Cargo Control Unit (ACCU). This new multi-agency initiative is a platform that encourages better collaboration among all national agencies, which in one way or another have a mandate to ensure the security of air consignments, be it in the scope of passengers/airliners safety or curbing illicit trade. 

During the inauguration ceremony, UNODC Representative Cesar Guedes acknowledged the commitment of all contributing stakeholders namely, Civil Aviation Authority, Customs and Anti Narcotics Force, and expressed appreciation towards the growing teamwork spirit among them. "I aspire that your joint efforts in ACCU will protect and empower the international trade and at the same time contribute to improve regional and global security," said Cesar Guedes addressing the high officials attending the ceremony. 

The new unit, ACCU, comes under the UNODC-WCO Global Container Control Programme (CCP). The programme is now running in 45 countries around the globe and its objective is to minimize the exploitation of legitimate trade as a cover for trafficking illegal commodities such as narcotics, precursors, arms and ammunition, endangered wildlife species, IPR items and cultural heritage. 

 

Media Coverage

 

1. Express Tribune 

2. DAWN News

3.  Karachi Mail