On 18-20 June 2018 UNODC Global Firearms Programme (GFP) conducted two trainings for 20 customs officials from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on detection of firearms at land border crossing points (BCP), investigation and prosecution of trafficking cases. The first training targeted officials from the regional centers in Tuzla, Mostar, Banja Luka and Sarajevo. The second training was attended by members of the mobile Customs' units within the Law Enforcement Department.
UNODC GFP has adopted a unique approach to these trainings by bringing together key actors responsible for the control, detection and prosecution of firearms trafficking cases.
The representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade (MoFTER), who are responsible for the establishment of the national import-export arms regulations, provided guidance on the legislative framework and elaborated on key provisions and specific administrative procedures to be followed during the customs control of arms transfers.
The prosecutors from the Prosecutor's Office of BiH discussed with the trainees the specific requirements under the BiH's Criminal Procedural Code for securing evidence and follow-up activities after the detection and seizure of firearms, which will ensure successful prosecution of the cases.
UNODC GFP delivered the training components on persons and car search, including practical exercises on the use of equipment and hands-on search techniques to detect firearms.UNODC GFP worked also with the customs officials on developing local risk indicators, profiling and selection of passengers and vehicles as part of the training.
With these activities, UNODC GFP contributes to the efforts of Bosnia and Herzegovina to achieve the goals established under the regional Roadmap for a sustainable solution to misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their ammunition in the Western Balkans by 2024. The two trainings were funded by Germany.