UNODC-WCO Global Container Control Programme strengthens the knowledge of Turkmen Customs officers in risk analysis and freight profiling

From 6 to 10 July 2020, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for Central Asia organized five-day online theoretical training in Turkmenistan under UNODC-World Customs Organization (WCO) Global Container Control Programme. Officers from the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan (SCST), including members of the Port Control Units established in Ashgabat International Customs Terminal and Turkmenbashi International Seaport participated in the training.

The workshop is part of 2020 Work plan of distance learning activities for Turkmenistan agreed with SCST officials in June 2020 and aimed at strengthening knowledge and skills of the officers in risk analysis and freight/container profiling, as well as using of modern Customs control techniques.

Addressing Customs officers at the opening of the event, Mr. Batyr Geldiyev, UNODC Regional Programme Coordinator, stressed that the training agenda is tight and covers a range of various topics: starting from risk management, risk analysis on commercial documents, risk indicators, container search, types of concealments, and seal tampering to illicit drugs, precursors and intellectual property rights. As international/regional transport corridors are being actively developed the themes of the training become particularly important for customs community across the region.

During the training, PCU members had an opportunity to refresh their knowledge and strengthen theoretical skills on cargo profiling and goods inspection. Experienced WCO and UNODC trainers provided necessary recommendations on selection and profiling of high-risk cargo, analyzing current shipping and other trade documentation. One of the accents was the inspection of railway wagons, containers, and vehicles.

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.