Sensitization of the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries on the Diversion of Precursor Chemicals 

10 August 2016, Lahore. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Pakistan in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Division (NCD), organized a two day Sensitization Workshop on Precursor Control for private industry representatives in Lahore. 

Dr.  Anne Bergenstrom, Officer in Charge UNODC thanked the Government of Pakistan for its continued cooperation; and greatly appreciated GoP and its law enforcement agencies for making concerted and highly commendable efforts in interdicting and seizing large amounts of illicit drugs and illegally diverted precursor chemicals destined for international markets. While concluding her welcome note she assured that UNODC will continue organizing similar awareness raising workshops for industry representatives on the issue of precursors in coordination with the Narcotics Control Division.

Mr. Naweed Riaz, International Law Enforcement Advisor UNODC dilated upon UNODC's global mandates, including countering transnational organized crimes and illicit trafficking. He emphasized the importance of this workshop in the context of the UNODC Country Programme for Pakistan.

While delivering his opening remarks, Mr. Ijaz Ali, Secretary NCD, highlighted the important role of industry in assisting law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and related crimes. In addition he expressed appreciation for UNODC's support to the country's law enforcement agencies in combating the trafficking of drugs and precursors to and from Pakistan.  

Officials responsible for various control mechanisms at the Narcotics Control Division and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) briefed the participants on the processes and rules followed at their levels; and discussed the problems faced by the industry as well by the regulatory and law enforcement agencies. The participants were also briefed on the overall and prevalent drug situation in the region, with special emphasis on the diversion of precursor chemicals. 

This exercise on precursor control was one of the many deliverables under a new project on 'Strengthening Border Security Against Illicit Drug Trafficking and Related Transnational Organized Crime' (2016-2019), recently signed between the Government of Japan and UNODC. The objective of the workshop was to raise awareness within the industry on the diversion of precursor chemicals and their illicit use.  

At the event's conclusion, the Workshop Certificates were distributed by Mr. Naweed Riaz and Brig. Syed Mahmood ul Hassan, Force Commander ANF Regional Directorate, Punjab. The workshop was widely attended by the managers, supervisors, and traders of leading national industries including Insaf Chemicals, Alpha Chemicals, ICL, Millat industries, Ravi Chemicals, Rupali Polyester, Chemisol International, and many other notable companies from the relevant industries in the province of Punjab. 

This achievement is being made possible by the generous support of the Government of Japan to UNODC COPAK.